[Functional disorders in children and adolescents].

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Functional somatic disorders (FSDs) are prevalent in youth, significantly impacting daily functioning, quality of life, and developmental trajectories.
• These conditions are characterized by somatic symptoms not fully explained by underlying medical diseases.
• A biopsychosocial framework, integrating biological, psychological, and social factors, is essential for understanding FSDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of functional somatic disorders in youth.
• To highlight the importance of a biopsychosocial model in the etiology and maintenance of FSDs.
• To emphasize the need for early diagnosis and family-based interventions.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes existing literature on functional somatic disorders in pediatric populations.
• It examines the interplay of biological dysregulation, predictive coding, and psychosocial influences.
• The review discusses the implications for clinical practice and intervention strategies.

Main Results:

• Functional somatic symptoms in youth are multifactorial, involving complex interactions between biological and psychosocial elements.
• The prevalence of FSDs is increasing, necessitating greater clinical attention and resources.
• Comorbidities are common and often require interdisciplinary management approaches.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and prompt, family-centered interventions are critical for preventing chronicity and long-term functional impairment in youth with FSDs.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital for effective management, particularly in cases with co-occurring conditions.
• Adopting a comprehensive biopsychosocial perspective is fundamental for addressing the complexities of FSDs in young individuals.