[Chronic abdominal pain in children as a diagnostic and therapeutic problem]

Diagnostic and therapeutical problems associated with chronic abdominal pain in children have been discussed, basing on an analysis of 19 children hospitalized for such a pain. Prevalence of psychic origin has been stressed. However, it may sometimes co-exist with organic disorders as well as maintain pain after successful treatment of the underlying disease. Therefore, diagnostic examination should be repeated in every case in which pain changes its character or the additional alarming symptoms appear. The treatment of the chronic abdominal pain of psychogenic origin requires long-term psychotherapy with the active participation of parents and sick child.