Pilot study of a parent-based intervention for functional somatic symptoms in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Health
• Family Interventions

Background:

• Functional somatic symptoms cause significant distress and impairment in children and families.
• Limited clinical research guides parents in supporting children with these symptoms.
• A parent-based intervention was developed to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a parent-based intervention for functional somatic symptoms in children.
• To assess the acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction of the intervention.
• To examine preliminary clinical outcomes for children and parents.

Main Methods:

• The intervention, SPACE-Somatic, was adapted from Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE).
• Parents of 16 children (mean age 14.5 years) with functional somatic symptoms participated.
• Seven weekly group sessions were delivered via telehealth.

Main Results:

• SPACE-Somatic was found to be acceptable, feasible, and satisfactory to parents.
• Significant improvements were observed in children's functional impairment from baseline to posttreatment.
• Parents reported reduced stress and decreased accommodation of children's symptoms, with some gains maintained at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• This pilot study indicates that a parent-based intervention is a viable and beneficial approach for children with functional somatic symptoms.
• The findings support the use of SPACE-Somatic in clinical practice.
• Further research is warranted to confirm these preliminary results.