[Psychosomatic diseases of adolescents]

Psychosomatic reactions and disturbancies occur frequently in adolescence. Their dramatic presentation is characteristic for the inner feeling of uniqueness, instability and loneliness of this phase of life. Grownups seem far away and unable to understand what is really going on. The pediatrician being consulted needs special interest and knowledge of the specific dynamics of adolescence and should remember his own youth. He should avoid involving the patient into unnecessary and harmful physical examinations, because they tend to aggravate and fixate the symptom. He must succeed as competent listener without reminding the youngster of the wellment advises of parents and teachers. Often he will feel entangled into a voyage through a jungle of emotions and somatic signals where his function will be to guide and accompany his young patient safely out into the light of adulthood. This paper presents a pediatric and psychodynamic approach to some frequent psychosomatic disorders of adolescence. It discusses Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Somatisation Syndrome, Conversion Syndrome, suicidal attempt and physical conditions affected by psychological factors.