Recurrent Abdominal Pain, Headache and Limb Pains in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

The prevalence of recurrent abdominal pain, headache, and growing pains has been investigated in an eight-year long longitudinal study on the basis of a nonselected population of school children. The prevalence of these pains was 14.4%, 20.6%, and 15.5%, respectively. Abdominal pain seems to reach a maximum at 9 years of age and headache about three years later. All three sorts of pain show a declining frequency toward adulthood. The ultimate prognosis appears to be dubious. An inquiry into the families of children with and without recurrent pain shows that these pains are part of a reaction pattern in families with an exceptional pain proneness.

Family disruption increases functional somatic symptoms in late adolescence: The TRAILS Study.

“…FSSs are very common, especially among children and adolescents. Approximately 20% to 25% of children suffer from FSSs, with abdominal pain, headache, and musculoskeletal pains being the most common complaints (Berntsson, Kohler, & Gustafsson, 2001; Garber, Walker, & Zeman, 1991; Oster, 1972; Rask et al, 2009). Originally, FSSs were thought to be a physical expression of emotional distress.…”

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of recurrent nonspecific abdominal pain in children: An analysis of generalization, maintenance, and side effects.

“…Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common complaint in children, with an estimated 10–15% of school-age children being affected (Apley, 1975; Barr & Feuerstein, 1983; Oster, 1972). A nonspecific syndrome is typically described as discomfort that occurs over a period of months and frequently interferes with daily activities and routines but is characteristically resolved completely between episodes.…”

The Familial Emotional Expression Scale for Children and Adolescents (FEECHA) and an exploration of young headache patients' emotional expression.

“…Little is known about the mechanism underlying emotional inhibition in youngsters suffering from chronic pain. On the one hand, these children may be genetically or socially (Oster, 1972; Deubner, 1977; Turkat, Kuczmierczyk & Adams, 1984; Violon & Giurgea, 1984; Violon, 1985) predisposed not to be able to regulate emotions. In that case, their limited emotional expression may cause the onset of pain attacks (Fine, 1980; Pennebaker, Hughes, & O’Heeron, 1987; Pennebaker, Kiecolt-Glaser, & Glaser, 1988; Pennebaker, 1989; Pennebaker, 1993).…”