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

Functional somatic symptoms are associated with significant distress and impairment for children and their families. Despite the central role that families play in their children's care, there is little clinical research to guide how parents can support their children with functional somatic symptoms and promote better functioning. To address this gap, we developed a parent-based intervention for functional somatic symptoms in children and obtained preliminary data on acceptability, feasibility, treatment satisfaction, and clinical outcomes.

The intervention was adapted from SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), an evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders in children. The intervention, SPACE-Somatic, was delivered to parents of 16 children (Mage = 14.50 years; 75% girls) with a range of functional somatic symptoms. Parents participated in seven weekly group sessions conducted via telehealth.

We found that SPACE-Somatic was acceptable, feasible, and satisfactory to parents. There were significant improvements in several clinical outcomes from baseline to posttreatment, including children's level of functional impairment, with some gains maintained at 3-month follow-up. Parents also reported improvements in their own stress and their accommodation of children's symptoms.

This pilot study provides preliminary evidence that a parent-based intervention is viable and beneficial to children with functional somatic symptoms and their parents.