Somatic symptom and related disorders in children and adolescents: evaluation of a naturalistic inpatient multidisciplinary treatment

Abstract

BackgroundThis naturalistic study assesses the effectiveness of inpatient multidisciplinary treatment of children and adolescents with somatic symptom disorders (SSD) and investigates the role of pain coping strategies and psychiatric comorbidity (anxiety, depression).MethodsSixty children and adolescents (mean age 14.4 years) with SSD who underwent inpatient multidisciplinary treatment were assessed regarding their school attendance, levels of discomfort, coping strategies and psychiatric comorbidity (depression, anxiety) at pretreatment, discharge and 6 months following treatment.ResultsAt discharge, the children and adolescents reported improvements in their level of discomfort, psychiatric comorbidities (anxiety, depression) and pain coping strategies, with medium to large effect sizes. Six months following treatment, the improvements remained stable, including significantly higher school attendance rates (d = 1.6; p < 0.01). Improvement in pain coping was associated with increased school attendance.ConclusionInpatient multidisciplinary treatment is effective in reducing levels of discomfort, psychiatric comorbidity (anxiety, depression), and school absence and in improving coping strategies.

The School Environment as a Source of Somatic Problems in Adolescents

“…Hart, Hodgkinson, Belcher, Hyman, & Cooley-Strickland, 2012;Løhre, Lydersen, & Vatten, 2010;Fekkes, Pijpers, Fredriks, Vogels, & Verloove-Vanhorick, 2006), however, only a few of them observed the possible causality of these relationships. Even if they focused predominantly on the consequences of somatic symptoms; more missed classes, worse school performance, and such (Heimann et al, 2018;Cerutti et al, 2016). Yet for adolescents, the atmosphere at school (relationships with peers, teachers, the style of education, etc.)…”

“…The correlation between somatic symptoms and school factors has been studied mainly from the perspective of the presence of indicators in students and their subsequent influence on performance and relationships at school. In this respect, it is evident that somatic symptoms have a negative impact on attendance (Heimann et al, 2018), achievement (Cerutti et al, 2016), peer relations (Campo & Fritsch, 1994), etc. However, considering children and adolescents spend the majority of their day at school and with their schoolmates, the school presents an important framework for selfesteem and social status; the class is a significant social group which determines roles and popularity, school achievements have an impact on future plans and on the satisfaction of their parents.…”

Chronic school absenteeism as a diagnostic clue for paediatricians

“…In this case, a rehabilitative approach is recommended, with a focus on return to school as a part of the return to normal social function. In the case of a somatic symptom disorder, a multidisciplinary approach in communication and collaboration with family, school staff and health‐care professionals is warranted …”

“…In the case of a somatic symptom disorder, a multidisciplinary approach in communication and collaboration with family, school staff and health-care professionals is warranted. 15,16 Missing from school may also be sustained and reinforced by parents' dysfunctional behaviours. Parents may have a detrimental influence on the school functioning of their children, due to catastrophising behaviour or mental illness.…”

Correction to: Somatic symptom and related disorders in children and adolescents: evaluation of a naturalistic inpatient multidisciplinary treatment

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], the authors flagged an error in the “Authors’ contributions” section of the article.…”