Paediatrician identification of psychological factors associated with general paediatric consultations.

In a study of children 7-12 yr of age referred to general paediatric clinics, paediatricians reported psychological factors associated to somatic presentations in 47% of the children. These cases presented with a variety of somatic symptoms, but abdominal/chest/joint pains and soiling were particularly common. From research interviews with the parents we found increased rates of psychiatric disorder (abnormalities of emotions, behaviour or relationships) amongst them. The most common psychiatric symptoms were depressive mood changes and relationship problems. We also identified an excess of certain personality features in the children and of family health problems in this group. Paediatricians commonly identify psychosomatic issues in children attending general paediatric clinics and independent evidence supports the validity of their assessments.