Psychogenic vomiting 1976-1981, follow-up treatment results up to 1996

P Limsila1

  • 1Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum, Child Psychiatric Hospital, Sumut Prakan, Thailand.

Insights

Psychological issues can cause severe vomiting in children. A comprehensive treatment approach including psychotherapy and behavioral therapy led to significant long-term improvement in five out of six pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Behavioral Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic, severe vomiting in children can be psychologically induced.
  • Previous treatments in general hospitals and surgical interventions were ineffective for these patients.

Observation:

  • Six children with severe, psychologically-induced vomiting were treated between 1976-1981.
  • Patients experienced severe dehydration and recurrent hospital admissions.

Findings:

  • A multidisciplinary treatment approach including psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and family therapy was implemented.
  • Five out of six patients showed significant improvement and normalized without medication after a 20-year follow-up.
  • One patient relocated internationally.

Implications:

  • Psychological factors are critical in pediatric chronic vomiting.
  • Integrated therapeutic interventions offer effective long-term solutions for functional somatic disorders in children.
  • Further research into the efficacy of combined therapies for pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is warranted.

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