Depression And Somatization Disorders In Children And Adolescents
ANSWERS
Somatic symptom disorder: what is it?
A condition known as somatic symptom disorder develops when your child experiences emotional pain as physical distress. Somatization can be caused by various factors, such as sleep habits, dietary choices, stress, anxiety, hydration, etc. Excessive concern or negative attitudes and actions linked to physical problems can worsen symptoms.
Children frequently have physical symptoms; up to 10% of kids report experiencing pain or anxiety daily. These symptoms are physiological and not “fake” or deliberate. Due to their symptoms, your child may experience significant distress, which may interfere with their regular activities and keep them from attending school or hanging out with friends.
Illness anxiety disorder and somatic symptom disorder are they the same thing?
No. The somatic symptom disorder differs from disease anxiety and hypochondria.
Emotional discomfort that results in bodily symptoms like pain in children is known as somatic symptom disorder. Although medical testing cannot validate or explain your child’s symptoms, they are real. A doctor bases a diagnosis on patterns of symptoms.
A major medical issue or a high risk of developing one is the reason for your child’s illness anxiety disorder. Children mistakenly interpret healthy bodily processes as symptoms of the disease. Children with illness anxiety disorders may exhibit care-seeking behaviors, such as wanting to spend much time in a medical facility, or care-avoidant behaviors, such as not trusting medical professionals.
Who is impacted by somatic symptom disorders?
Any youngster can experience somatic symptom disorder. Compared to children assigned male at birth, children assigned female at birth (AFAB) experience it the most frequently (AMAB). People who also have a diagnosis: have a higher incidence of somatic symptom disorder.
Fibromyalgia.
Bowel irritability syndrome.
chronic tiredness
How common is a condition with somatic symptoms?
In the United States, somatic symptom disorder affects between 5% and 7% of the population, including adults and children. One of the most frequent illnesses reported in primary care is this one.
What somatic symptom disorder signs and symptoms are there?
Each child’s somatic symptom disorder symptoms are different and may include the following:
Pain.
Feeling worn down or having little energy.
Vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain.
Respiratory difficulties or shortness of breath.
Fast heart rate.
Dizziness.
Fainting.
Bowel issues (diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas).
Movement difficulties like tremor-like bouts, paralysis, and weakness.
Memory issues.
Children typically encounter multiple symptoms. Mild to severe symptoms are possible. Between 30% and 60% of adults and children with somatic symptom disorder also experience anxiety or sadness.
Where will my child’s somatic symptom disorder symptoms manifest?
Somatic symptom disorder symptoms may affect any region of your child’s body. Pain is the most typical symptom. According to healthcare professionals, your child may experience discomfort in the following areas of their body:
- Head
- Chest
- Arms
- Legs
- Joints
- Back
- Abdomen
Why do somatic symptom disorders occur?
The causes of somatic symptom disorder include biological and psychological elements, which are taught ways of thinking about one’s surroundings. These elements could consist of the following:
After a sickness or accident, persistent symptoms have not been treated.
Children who experience stress or difficulties yet are unable to express them vocally.
Excessive focus on physical processes.
Possible symptoms of a disease.
Low threshold for pain
increased concern for one’s health.
How is a condition with somatic symptoms identified?
A group of medical professionals may be required to diagnose your child’s somatic symptom issue. The diagnostic procedure could entail the following:
An examination to discover more about the symptoms your child is displaying.
A thorough medical background.
Tests are conducted in a lab, such as blood or urine tests or imaging examinations like X-rays.
An assessment of emotional, physical, and behavioral health through a meeting with mental health professionals.
What different conditions cause somatic symptoms?
Functional digestive system disorder.
Neurologic functional dysfunction.
An associated condition and somatic manifestation.
Dysfunctional heart condition.
Who makes a somatic symptom disorder diagnosis?
A coordinated team of healthcare professionals may be necessary to diagnose a somatic symptom problem. These service providers might be:
An expert in primary care.
An adult doctor.
A neurosurgeon.
An expert in digestion.
A cardiac surgeon.
either a psychologist or a psychiatrist
QUESTION
Depression And Somatization Disorders In Children And Adolescents
1. What are the common somatic conditions in the pediatric population? How are pediatric somatic conditions diagnosed and treated? Cite two sources to support your reasoning
2. How does the presentation of depression in children differ from adults? What is the recommended treatment of depression in children? What are some safety issues for pediatric treatments (include any medications/treatments that are contraindicated in pediatric populations or have warnings)? Cite two sources to support your reasoning,
USE APA FORMAT. NO PLAGIRISM.