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Psychiatric management of severe somatoform disorders in childhood and adolescence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

M. Elena Garralda
M. Elena Garralda*
Affiliation:
Imperial College School of Medicine, London UK
*
Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Academic Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCSM, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK. Tel. 02027 886 1145; E-mail: e.garralda@ic.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Unexplained medical symptoms are common in children. They constitute the main feature of somatoform disorders of childhood (i.e. pain disorders, conversion disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome or neurasthenia).

Objective:

To describe assessment and treatment strategies for severe somatoform disorders of childhood.

Methods:

Review of recommendations for clinical practice and clinical trials.

Results:

A number of specific techniques have been described. Clinical accounts indicate that many children benefit and can recover. There is some empirical evidence supporting the beneficial effects of techniques such as family cognitive-behavioural therapy and relaxation technique for the less severe disorders.

Conclusions:

Existing helpful clinical guidelines require empiric validation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 14 , Issue 2 , April 2002 , pp. 85 - 89
Copyright
Copyright © Acta Neuropsychiatrica 2002

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