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Psychological problems in children with abdominal pain
Lancet (London, England)
|February 25, 1984
Summary
Children with abdominal pain, whether organic (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or non-organic, experience psychological problems like depression and low self-esteem. These issues are common across all abdominal pain groups, making differentiation difficult.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Child Psychology
- Clinical Health Psychology
Background:
- Abdominal pain is a common complaint in children.
- Distinguishing between organic and non-organic causes of abdominal pain can be challenging.
- Psychological factors may play a role in pediatric abdominal pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of psychological problems in children with organic abdominal pain (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and non-organic abdominal pain.
- To compare psychological adjustment in children with different types of abdominal pain and healthy controls.
- To determine if psychological evaluation can differentiate between organic and non-organic abdominal pain in children.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 44 children with organic abdominal pain (24 Crohn's disease, 20 ulcerative colitis), 16 with non-organic abdominal pain, and 30 pain-free controls were assessed.
- A self-report battery of five tests measured personal, family, and social adjustment.
- Statistical comparisons were made between the groups.
Main Results:
- All three abdominal pain groups exhibited psychological problems compared to controls.
- Children with Crohn's disease showed significant depression and low self-esteem.
- Children with ulcerative colitis had elevated depression, and those with non-organic pain reported low self-esteem.
- No significant psychological differences were found between children with organic versus non-organic abdominal pain.
Conclusions:
- Psychological distress is prevalent in children experiencing both organic and non-organic abdominal pain.
- Psychological evaluation alone may not reliably distinguish between organic and non-organic causes of abdominal pain in pediatric patients.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological well-being in children with chronic abdominal pain.
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