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Parent-child Communication-centered Rehabilitative Approach for Pediatric Functional Somatic Symptoms
Maya Gerner1, Sharon Barak2, Jana Landa3
1The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Background:
Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) are a type of somatization phenomenon. Integrative rehabilitation approaches are the preferred treatment for pediatric FSS. Parental roles in the treatment process have not been established.
Study Aims:
to present 1) a parent-focused treatment (PFT) for pediatric FSS and 2) the approach's preliminary results.
Methods:
The sample included 50 children with physical disabilities due to FSS. All children received PFT including physical and psychological therapy. A detailed description of the program's course and guiding principles is provided.
Outcome Measures:
FSS extinction and age-appropriate functioning.
Results:
Post-program, 84% of participants did not exhibit FSS and 94% returned to age-appropriate functioning. At one-year follow-up, only 5% of participants experienced symptom recurrence. No associations were found between pre-admission symptoms and intervention duration.
Conclusion:
PFT is beneficial in treating pediatric FSS. Therefore, intensive parental involvement in rehabilitation may be cardinal.
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