Chronic abdominal pain and homesickness in an adolescent male

Recurrent abdominal pain is a frequent presenting complaint for adolescents under stress. For many, this symptom provides legitimate access to a medical provider, where other, "hidden" psychosocial agendas may be safely explored. However, providers should be cautious and not neglect the physical examination and diagnostic work-up. In this case report, we describe the discovery of underlying parasitic infections in an adolescent with multiple psychosocial stressors and abdominal pain.