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Somatization in children and adolescents
1Medical College of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|November 1, 1994
Summary
Pediatric somatization, or medically unexplained physical symptoms in children, is common and linked to psychiatric issues. Early intervention and collaboration are key for effective treatment and reduced healthcare use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Somatization, characterized by medically unexplained physical symptoms, is a significant concern in pediatric populations.
- These symptoms can impact a child's daily functioning and lead to extensive medical evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the existing literature on pediatric somatization.
- Emphasis on prevalence, healthcare utilization, developmental factors, comorbidities, assessment, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of 119 studies and reports on medically unexplained somatic symptoms in children and adolescents.
- Inclusion of controlled studies, case reports, and relevant adult literature.
Main Results:
- Recurrent unexplained physical symptoms are common in children and adolescents, often co-occurring with psychiatric symptoms.
- Somatization disorder is rare in this age group; however, patients risk unnecessary medical interventions and high healthcare utilization.
Conclusions:
- Current understanding of pediatric somatization is limited, necessitating further research.
- Collaboration between mental health professionals and primary care providers is crucial.
- Standardized terminology and developmentally appropriate classification are needed for effective prevention and treatment.