A somaticizing adolescent: an approach to evaluation and therapy

Adolescents may chronically somatize as part of the symptoms of an underlying psychological disorder. Unless the underlying psychological disorder. Unless the underlying psychopathology is recognized by the treating physician, chronic somatization may result in high cost to the health care system due to frequent use and unnecessary biochemical and radiographic evaluation. The case presented is illustrative of the differential diagnosis and management of such a patient.