Characteristics of medically hospitalized pediatric patients with somatoform diagnoses

Somatic and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Children and Adolescents in France

Importance

Somatic symptoms are a major concern among the pediatric population because of frequency and burden. The association between adverse childhood experiences and somatic symptoms in adults is well established but less is known concerning somatic symptoms in young people.

Objective

To explore the frequency and intensity of somatic symptoms in children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2021, at the Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Referral Center in Nice, France. Participants included pediatric outpatients, aged 7 to 17 years, who were referred to the center. Statistical analysis was performed in January 2022.

Exposure

All participants experienced at least 1 traumatic event during life.

Main Outcome and Measure

Somatic and posttraumatic stress symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-13 (PHQ-13) and Child PTSD Checklist (CPC). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and non-PTSD groups were defined based on CPC symptoms severity score. In the hypothesized association between somatic symptoms and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), PTSD and non-PTSD groups were compared, correlations between PTSS and severity of CPC were analyzed, and a regression model was performed.

Results

There were 363 participants included (mean [SD] age, 13.58 [0.25] years; 174 [47.9%] female, 189 [52.1%] male). Compared with the non-PTSD group, the PTSD group presented with a higher mean (SD) number of somatic symptoms (7.0 [2.5] vs 4.0 [2.5] symptoms; t360 = 11.7; P < .001), and higher mean (SD) intensity (10.4 [4.6] vs 4.8 [3.7] points; t360 = 12.6; P < .001). Most of the explored somatic symptoms positively correlated with the intensity of PTSS and their functional alterations (eg, PTSS intensity correlated with stomach pain symptoms [r = .30; P < .001]; and with headaches symptoms [r = .44; P < .001]). In the regression model, the combination of migraines, palpitation, nausea, tiredness, and sleep disorders explained 6.5% of the variance in the PTSD group. (F1,341 = 22.651; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, somatic symptoms were positively correlated with PTSS both in frequency and intensity among youths. These results suggest that the systematic screening for somatic symptoms in youths with traumatic exposure should be a routine evaluation procedure.

Syncope and Unresponsiveness in an Adolescent With Comorbid Cardiac Disease: An Illustrative Case Report and Literature Review of Functional Neurologic Symptom Disorder

BACKGROUND

This case report with an associated literature review explores the challenges, opportunities, and current evidence in creating a thoughtful diagnostic and management plan for an adolescent with functional neurologic symptom disorder and comorbid cardiac disease.

METHODS

We performed a literature review utilizing PubMed to identify the current evidence base related to pediatric functional neurologic symptom disorder in the setting of comorbid cardiac disease. Ultimately, 25 manuscripts were identified for inclusion in this study.

RESULTS

We reported the recent epidemiology, screening, diagnostic, and treatment measures utilized in pediatric syncope with a focus on differentiating psychogenic causes from serious cardiac and benign etiologies. We further described how psychiatric and psychological factors influence assessment, management, and outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides current, evidence-based suggestions for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of pediatric syncope, with an emphasis on recognizing psychogenic causes of syncope. It includes a description of a novel case of functional neurologic symptom disorder in a pediatric patient with structural cardiac disease. The study highlights how the absence of standardized guidelines, heterogeneity in care delivery, and lack of concurrent mental health management led to worse outcomes.

Clinical and psychopathological profiles of children with somatic symptom disorders in a pediatric emergency unit: an observational study before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Somatic symptom disorders (SSDs) are a group of clinical conditions characterized by heterogeneous physical symptoms, not directly supported by a demonstrable organic process. Despite representing a growing problem in the pediatric age, the literature lacks studies assessing the psychopathological and clinical features of subjects with SSD, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This is a retrospective, observational study, involving two historical cohorts of children admitted to a tertiary referral Italian hospital over the 2 years preceding and following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Demographic, clinical, socio-economical, and psychological variables were investigated. Standardized tests for the developmental age were administered to assess psychopathological variables. Overall rates and trends of accesses for SSD, as compared to the total accesses for any cause at the Pediatric Emergency Room during the same periods, were reported as well. Fifty-one (pre-pandemic, 29; pandemic, 22) children with SSD were enrolled (age, 11.4 ± 2.4 years, F = 66.7%). Subjects in the pandemic historical cohort reported more frequently fever (p < 0.001), headache (p = 0.032), and asthenia (p < 0.001), as well as more chronic conditions in personal and family history, and fewer previous hospital accesses, as compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. Depressed mood and anxious traits were documented in both samples. None of them had an ongoing or a previously reported SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the pandemic, a clinical psychologist was more frequently consulted before the hospital discharge to mental health services, to support the diagnosis.  Conclusion: This study showed the significant burden of SSD in children, highlighting the need to implement pediatricians' education to optimize the management of these patients. Children with SSD who accessed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented specific clinical features. Future studies, conducted on longitudinal and controlled samples, are indicated to further investigate children with these conditions. What is Known:    • Somatic symptoms disorders (SSDs) are frequent in the pediatric age, especially in early adolescence.    • Evidence remains scarce on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on SSDs in children. What is New:    • Children with SSD who accessed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented specific clinical features.    • The implementation of pediatricians' education and a multidisciplinary approach are needed to optimize the management of SSDs.

A Review of the Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on the Assessment and Management of Pediatric Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

BACKGROUND

While factors such as race, sex, gender identity, and socioeconomic status impact the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions, there are few studies examining their influence on somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs), particularly in the pediatric population.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, we outline the existing literature on how sociodemographic characteristics influence the overall care of pediatric SSRDs. Throughout this literature review, we highlight opportunities for further research, including potential disparities in evaluation, management, and outcomes along several sociodemographic domains.

METHODS

We conducted a thorough review of the evidence for potential impact of race, sex, gender identity, and socioeconomic status on the presentation, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric somatization and SSRDs.

RESULTS

Recent studies evaluating the impact of race on SSRD care suggest the potential for provider bias in the evaluation and management of this population based on racial differences in diagnostic evaluations. Somatization may present differently based on a patient's race and potential cross-cultural status. Among studies of cisgender patients, there is evidence of provider bias in the assessment of somatic symptoms such that female patients are more likely to be diagnosed with an SSRD than male patients. However, there is little research among youth identifying as LGBTQ. The literature also indicates that low socioeconomic status and associated stressors are linked with the development of SSRDs, although it is unclear whether these factors are subject to bias by providers.

CONCLUSIONS

While the literature is sparse, there is evidence that sociodemographic factors contribute to differences in diagnosis, evaluation, and management of pediatric SSRDs. These factors, particularly race and sex, may also be subject to provider bias, although further studies are necessary. Provider bias can directly impact patients' perception of care, including feelings of dismissal, and may have downstream influences on symptom manifestation, patient-provider engagement, diagnostic evaluation, and management practices.

Pediatric Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder and gastrointestinal-related Somatic Symptom Disorders: Overlap in clinical presentation

Certain presentations of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders (SSRDs) have conceptual overlap, namely, distress and impairment related to a physical symptom. This study compared characteristics of pediatric patients diagnosed with ARFID to those with gastrointestinal (GI)-related SSRD. A 5-year retrospective chart review at a tertiary care pediatric hospital comparing assessment data of patients with a diagnosis of ARFID (n = 62; 69% girls, M_age = 14.08 years) or a GI-related SSRD (n = 37; 68% girls, M_age = 14.25 years). Patients diagnosed with ARFID had a significantly lower percentage of median BMI than those with GI-related SSRD. Patients diagnosed with ARFID were most often assessed in the Eating Disorders Program, whereas patients diagnosed with an SSRD were most often assessed by Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Groups did not differ on demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, illness duration, or pre-assessment services/medications. GI symptoms were common across groups. Patients diagnosed with an SSRD had more co-occurring medical diagnoses. A subset (16%) of patients reported symptoms consistent with both diagnoses. Overlap is observed in the clinical presentation of pediatric patients diagnosed with ARFID or GI-related SSRD. Some group differences emerged, including anthropometric measurements and co-occurring medical conditions. Findings may inform diagnostic classification and treatment approach.

Weekend Admissions for Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders and Length of Stay

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether admission on weekends affects the length of stay (LOS) for patients hospitalized with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs).

METHODS

Data from 2012-2018 was obtained for all patients aged 4 to 21 years (N = 5459) with a primary discharge diagnosis of SSRDs from 52 tertiary care pediatric hospitals in the United States. We obtained patient demographics, admission date and/or time, LOS, procedure count, and comorbid conditions. We defined a weekend as 3 pm Friday to 3 pm Sunday. The Wilcoxon rank test was used for unadjusted analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of having LOS >1 day, >2 days, >3 days, and >4 days in weekend versus weekday groups.

RESULTS

Weekend admission significantly correlated with increased LOS (P < .001). Compared with weekdays, a weekend admission was associated with increased odds of having LOS >1, >2, and >3 days. This remained statistically significant while adjusting for the number of chronic conditions, procedures, and individuals with Black or Hispanic ethnicity compared with White ethnicity. LOS was not associated with sex or age of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SSRDs admitted on the weekend have an increased LOS compared with those admitted on a weekday. This may be due to a decrease in multidisciplinary care available during weekends. In future studies, researchers should aim to better understand the specific factors that contribute to this disparity and test interventions that may close the gap in care, including expanding to 7-day services, increasing mental health resources, and working to decrease the need for inpatient admissions.

Pediatric somatization in the emergency department: assessing missed opportunities for early management

OBJECTIVE

Somatization is a common phenomenon that can severely complicate youths' functioning and health. The burden of somatization on pediatric acute care settings is currently unclear; better understanding it may address challenges clinicians experience in effectively caring for somatizing patients. In this study, we estimate the prevalence of somatization in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of visits for non-critical, non-mental health-related concerns (n = 150) to a quaternary-level pediatric ED between July 2016 and August 2017. Demographic and clinical visit details were collected through chart review and used by two reviewing clinicians to classify whether each visit had a "probable," "unclear" (possible), or "unlikely" somatizing component.

RESULTS

Approximately 3.33% (n = 5) of youth displayed probable somatization, and an additional 13.33% (n = 20) possibly experienced a somatizing component but require additional psychosocial and visit documentation to be certain. Longer symptom duration and multiple negative diagnostic tests were associated with a higher likelihood of either probable or possible somatization.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of non-mental health-related visits may involve a somatizing component, indicating the burden of mental health concerns on the ED may be underestimated. A higher index of suspicion for the possibility of somatization may support clinicians in managing somatizing patients.

Mental health problems in children admitted with physical symptoms

The aim of the study was to investigate the burden of mental health problems in children and adolescents admitted to a pediatric ward with physical complaints. We conducted a retrospective study, considering all patients admitted to the pediatric ward of the IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy, between January 2015 and September 2016. We selected all patients, from 5 to 17 years old, who were admitted with physical complaints and were discharged with a diagnosis suggestive of a mental health problem: somatic symptom disorder, anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, factious disorders. For every patient, we collected demographic features, medical characteristics, health care services utilization, length of hospital stay, and after discharge referral. We selected 1456 patients; of these, 101 (6.9%) revealed a mental health problem. The median duration of symptoms was 5 months (IQR 1.5-12), and pain was the main reported symptom (69%). Of the 101 patients, 23 (23%) were affected by a previously documented chronic organic disease. Somatic symptom disorder was the most common diagnosis. In 69/78 patients (88%), a loss of social contacts emerged; 49/95 patients frequenting school (51%) had chronic school absenteeism in the previous school year.Conclusion: A considerable proportion of patients admitted to a pediatric ward with physical complaints have mental health problems. What is Known: • It has been suggested that mental health problems in children and adolescents are increasing and frequently burden on pediatric healthcare services, but how they impact on a general pediatric ward is not clear. What is New: • Among 1456 patients admitted to a general pediatric ward with physical symptoms, 101 patients (6.9%) had a mental health problem. Among them, pain was the most commonly reported symptom and somatic symptom disorder was the commonly reported diagnosis.

Somatic symptom and related disorders in a tertiary paediatric hospital: prevalence, reach and complexity

Specialist paediatric services manage a variety of presentations of functional somatic symptoms. We aimed to describe the presentation and management of children and adolescents with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) requiring admission to a tertiary children's hospital with the objective of informing the development of a local clinical pathway. Patients admitted to any hospital department from May 2016 to November 2017 were identified through an electronic medical record (EMR)-linked diagnosis of SSRD. Each record was reviewed for demographic details and admission histories. The frequency of interspecialty consultations and multidisciplinary team (MDT) family meetings were recorded. One hundred twenty-three patients with SSRD were admitted on 203 occasions to 17 different departments. The median (range) age was 14.3 (7.3-18.3) years. Interspecialty consultations occurred in 84.6% of patients, and MDT family meetings occurred in 18.9% patients. SSRD was diagnosed as an inpatient in 79.9% patients, yet only 40.7% of patients, including those with multiple admissions, had SSRD recorded as a discharge diagnosis.Conclusion: Despite high rates of consultation with hospital teams, the frequency of MDT family meetings was low, and less than half the patients had SSRD documented at discharge. This affirms the value of developing a local clinical pathway. What is Known • Functional somatic symptoms are commonly seen in children and adolescents. • Few studies have explored the reach of functional somatic symptoms across a tertiary paediatric hospital; the majority of inpatient studies have focused on a limited set of disorders or cases referred to psychiatry departments. What is New • Symptoms that spanned multiple body systems were the most common presentation of SSRDs in admitted children and adolescents. • Somatic symptom disorders are less likely to be recorded as a discharge diagnosis compared with functional neurological symptom disorder.

How to recognize and manage psychosomatic pain in the pediatric emergency department

Aim

Children and adolescents affected by somatization and somatic symptom disorder commonly refer to emergency services. Due to the absence of specific guidelines for the emergency setting and to a possible lack of knowledge, these patients are at risk of being unrecognized and mismanaged. This study aims at proposing a clinical practice to approach and manage these patients and their families in the emergency setting.

Methods

This manuscript derived from the work of a research group of italian pediatric emergency physicians and anesthesiologists, with an expertise in pain management, members of the PIPER group. The research group reviewed the literature about psychosomatic pain and somatic symptom disorder and developed a clinical practice specific for the pediatric emergency setting.

Results

The manuscript provides information about the main clinical features shared by patients with psychosomatic pain and about current diagnostic criteria and appropriate management in the emergency setting. Furthermore, it highlights the possible pitfalls in which the emergency physician may run into dealing with these patients.

Conclusion

This clinical practice should be seen as a starting point toward a better understanding of patients with psychosomatic pain and a standardization of care in the pediatric emergency setting.

Case Report: Somatic Symptoms Veiling Gender Dysphoria in an Adolescent

Background: Somatic symptom disorder is common in children and adolescents; usually, it is an expression of a mental health problem or other conditions that lead to psychosocial impairment and suffering. Among these, in pubertal age, gender dysphoria should be considered. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 15-year-old girl admitted to the hospital because of a 2-month history of scattered arthralgia and myalgia, headache, and fatigue, with repeated visits to the emergency room. The physical exam was unremarkable, except for step walking and pain. Repeated diagnostic tests were normal, and consecutive psychological interviews disclosed intense suffering due to a gender incongruence. Referral to the hospital gender service was offered and refused by the parents. Conclusions: In pubertal age, gender dysphoria may be expressed through somatoform symptoms. Diagnosis is challenging to accept for the parents even in the presence of adequate multi-disciplinary hospital services.

Measuring functional recovery in somatic symptom and related disorders: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

Somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) are prevalent, heterogenous conditions that have the potential to profoundly affect normative function in children and adolescents. Yet there is little understanding of pathways to recovery. This study aimed to systematically scope how functional recovery has been measured in children and adolescents with SSRD .

DESIGN

Scoping review of primary studies.

METHOD

Medline (Ovid) and PsychInfo were systematically searched for publications from January 1998 to April 2019. Primary studies in English that reported functional outcomes of children and adolescents with SSRD were included. Case reports and population studies were excluded. Within the tools and clinician notes, the core domains of functional outcome were identified.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were identified that used 11 different functional outcome tools. The domains assessed within these functional outcome tools, together with the domains noted by clinicians, included physical and mental health symptoms, as well as school attendance and academic outcomes, recreational participation, impact on family and service utilisation. There was no evidence of a preferred outcome measure as only two of the tools were used in more than one study.

CONCLUSIONS

The variability of tools and domains used to measure functional recovery in children and adolescents with SSRD suggests lack of conceptual agreement about what constitutes functional recovery. Continued focus on symptom measurement or mental health comorbidities risks limiting research to single types of disorder (eg, functional neurological disability) or interventions, which threatens a much needed wider research agenda around appropriate treatment, including of complex and persistent disorders.

Standardizing Pediatric Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders Care: Clinical Pathway Reduces Health Care Cost and Use

BACKGROUND

Pediatric somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) are common with high health care costs and use because of lack of standardized, evidence-based practice. Our hospital implemented a clinical pathway (CP) for SSRD evaluation and management. Our study objective was to evaluate health care cost and use associated with the organization's SSRD CP in the emergency department (ED) and inpatient settings hypothesizing lower cost and use in the CP group relative to controls.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of costs and use before and after implementation of the SSRD CP. Data were collected from the hospital's electronic health record and the Pediatric Health Information System database. Participants included pediatric patients on the CP ("P" group) and control groups with an SSRD diagnosis and mental health consultation either the year before the CP ("C" group) or during the CP study period ("T" group). Primary outcomes included costs, length of stay, diagnostic testing, imaging, subspecialty consultation, and readmission rates.

RESULTS

The ED P group had more lower-cost imaging, whereas the inpatient T group greater higher-cost imaging than other groups. The inpatient P group had significantly shorter length of stay, fewer subspecialty consults, and lower costs. There were no significant group differences in readmission rates. The CP reduced median total costs per patient encounter by $51 433 for the inpatient group and $6075 for the ED group.

CONCLUSIONS

The CP group showed significant reductions in health care cost and use after implementation of a CP for SSRD care. In future work, researchers should explore patient and practitioner experience with the SSRD CP and long-term outcomes.

Prevalence, Patterns, and Correlates of Pain in Medically Hospitalized Pediatric Patients With Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

BACKGROUND

Somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) and pain are highly comorbid in the pediatric population. Little is known about the prevalence of pain and factors that may predispose and perpetuate pain in hospitalized youth with SSRD.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of pain and widespread pain symptoms in hospitalized youth with SSRD and describe differences between patients who endorsed limited (1-4 sites) versus widespread (5-8 sites) pain.

METHODS

Retrospective chart reviews were conducted of pediatric patients with SSRD seen over a 32-month period at a tertiary pediatric hospital and assessed by the psychiatry consultation service. During admission, patients completed the Childhood Somatization Inventory, which assessed pain and other physical symptoms. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variances, Pearson's χ², stepwise linear regressions, and internal consistency analyses were used.

RESULTS

Of the 219 patients (aged 8-18 y), 97% reported pain symptoms, and of those reporting pain (n = 213), 48% reported widespread pain. Patients with widespread pain had greater rates of comorbid depression (P = 0.012), neglect (P = 0.016), family psychiatric history (P = 0.013), diagnostic tests/procedures (P = 0.012), and prescribed opioid use (P = 0.016), when other medical and demographic factors were considered. When compared dichotomously to youth with limited pain, there was no difference in prevalence of medical conditions; however, patients with widespread pain had higher rates of trauma and stressor-related disorders (P = 0.017), sexual abuse (P = 0.031), emotional abuse (P = 0.041), and prior child protective service involvement (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Pain symptoms and widespread pain are common in medically hospitalized youth with SSRD, with unique psychiatric and psychosocial factors associated with widespread pain.

Making Sense of "Somatization": A Systematic Review of its Relationship to Pediatric Pain

OBJECTIVES

Pain and other physical symptoms commonly co-occur in childhood. There is debate about the relevance of somatization in understanding pain. The present review critically appraised and synthesized the extant literature on the relationship between pediatric pain and somatization.

METHODS

A systematic review (PROSPERO registration #95956) was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL using search terms related to pain and somatization in children and adolescents. A total of 156 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. For studies that measured somatization using a symptom questionnaire, descriptions of "somatization" were extracted. Data regarding the relationship between pain and somatization were extracted for studies measuring somatization using a diagnostic category (e.g., Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders [SSRDs]).

RESULTS

While many studies using somatic symptom questionnaires described somatization as having a psychological component, this was not always captured in measurement tools. Pain was reported as a common symptom in patients with an SSRD diagnosis, though rates varied depending on the specific diagnosis and pain location. Rates of SSRD diagnoses among pain patients were less frequent than rates of pain amongst SSRD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

SSRDs and pain commonly co-occur, though rates differ depending on diagnosis and pain location. Understanding the relationship between pain and somatization is complicated by the discrepancy between how somatization is defined and measured in questionnaire studies. A comprehensive and measurable definition of somatization is needed so researchers can better identify the shared and unique contributions of pain and somatization in pediatric populations.

Taking the Pain out of Somatization: Development and Implementation of a Hospital-Based Clinical Practice Guideline to Address Pediatric Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

OBJECTIVES

The diagnostic category of somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs), although common, is often poorly recognized and suboptimally managed in inpatient pediatric care. Little literature exists to address SSRDs in the inpatient pediatric setting. The purpose of the study was to characterize current SSRD practice, identify problem areas in workflow, and develop a standardized approach to inpatient evaluation and management at a tertiary care academic children's hospital.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group identified patients with SSRD admitted between May 2012 and October 2014. A retrospective chart review on a convenience sample was performed to identify population characteristics and current practice. Lean methodology was used to define current state practice and future state intervention. These methods were used to guide identification of problem areas, which informed protocol, a clinical practice guideline, and resource development.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients aged 8 to 17 years met inclusion criteria for chart review. Most patients presented with either neurologic or pain-related complaints. The mean length of stay was 5.44 days (SD = 6.3), with few patients receiving a mental health consultation within 24 hours of hospitalization. Patients averaged 5.8 medical and/or psychiatric diagnoses on discharge (SD = 5.2), and two-thirds did not have an SSRD diagnosis. Half of patients had comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, whereas one-quarter were discharged with no mental health follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we describe the process and content development of a single-site institutional protocol, clinical practice guideline, and resources for the evaluation and management of pediatric SSRDs. This study may serve as a model for similar standardization of SSRD care in other inpatient pediatric medical settings.

Developing a Clinical Pathway for Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders in Pediatric Hospital Settings

Somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRDs) are commonly encountered in pediatric hospital settings. There is, however, a lack of standardization of care across institutions for youth with these disorders. These patients are diagnostically and psychosocially complex, posing significant challenges for medical and behavioral health care providers. SSRDs are associated with significant health care use, cost to families and hospitals, and risk for iatrogenic interventions and missed diagnoses. With sponsorship from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and input from multidisciplinary stakeholders, we describe the first attempt to develop a clinical pathway and standardize the care of patients with SSRDs in pediatric hospital settings by a working group of pediatric consultation-liaison psychiatrists from multiple institutions across North America. The authors of the SSRD clinical pathway outline 5 key steps from admission to discharge and include practical, evidence-informed approaches to the assessment and management of children and adolescents who are medically hospitalized with SSRDs.

Facing somatic symptom disorder in the emergency department

Somatic symptom disorder is a condition in which a patient's subjective report of physical symptoms is associated with distress; disruption of day-to-day functioning; or disproportionate thoughts, feelings and behaviours regarding the symptoms, whether or not they are associated with an identified medical condition. While somatic symptom disorder affects a considerable proportion of children and adolescents presenting to the emergency department (ED), it has not been well investigated in the ED literature, nor is there much formal training in, or guidelines for, how to care for affected patients in the ED. The aim of this paper is to highlight the historical clues commonly reported by these patients in order to try to help the emergency physicians recognise patients affected by a somatic symptom disorder. Adolescent age, the presence of daily subjective symptoms presenting daily for weeks or months, a long medical history record, an extensive diagnostic workup and, most of all, disproportionate functional impairment related to the symptoms are all features strongly suggestive of this disorder. Emergency physicians should become used to taking advantage of these clues to formulate a positive diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder according to the most recent diagnostic criteria. Emergency physicians have the unique opportunity to contribute to the correct diagnosis and treatment of these patients and to have a positive impact on their prognosis.

Somatic Symptom Disorders in Adolescent Inpatients

PURPOSE

There are only a few reports of adolescents with somatic disorders (SDs) whose symptoms are sufficiently severe to require hospital admission. The aim of this study was to describe the symptom profile, health service utilization, and outcome of adolescents with SDs admitted to a tertiary children's hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all adolescents admitted to the Adolescent Medicine Unit of a tertiary children's hospital was undertaken from July 2013 to June 2014. In a two-stage process, medical records were examined to identify patients who met the diagnostic criteria for SD. Evidence of functional recovery was obtained for the period from 18 to 30 months after discharge and rated as completely recovered, partially recovered, or functionally disabled.

RESULTS

A total of 60 admissions (53 patients, 79% female) were identified with SD, accounting for 12% of the unit's admissions and 2% of hospital admissions over 12 years old. Nearly half (45%) the presenting symptoms were neurological and 39% involved pain. In total, 20% of admissions were for complex symptoms involving multiple body systems. The majority (81%) of adolescents with follow-up documentation (n = 37) demonstrated complete or partial recovery. Patients whose families fully accepted the diagnosis were more likely to accept counseling following discharge (p < .001) and were almost 20 times more likely to have completely recovered compared to adolescents whose families partially accepted or rejected the diagnosis (odds ratio 17.36, p = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalized adolescents with SD utilize substantial resources due to the requirement for comprehensive assessment, including multidisciplinary communication. Recovery can be anticipated for the majority, especially if supported by parents.

Perception and Impact of Life Events in Medically Hospitalized Patients With Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders

OBJECTIVES

We describe the prevalence and perceived impact of life events reported by medically hospitalized patients with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSRD) and highlight patient characteristics and outcomes associated with highly impactful life events.

METHODS

Retrospective chart reviews were conducted of patients with SSRD at a tertiary pediatric hospital who were seen by the psychiatry consultation service and completed various instruments while medically admitted, including a de novo life events checklist. Descriptive statistics, correlations, χ² tests, and internal consistency analyses were used.

RESULTS

Charts of 70.2% of patients with SSRD who completed the life events checklist (N = 172; age range 8-25 years) were reviewed. Of those studied, 94% reported at least 1 life event in the last year, with academic events most prevalent, 81% reported life events across multiple domains, and 56% perceived the life event(s) as having a great impact on their lives. Patients who perceived more great impact life events were older, from households with lower median incomes, had higher self-reported somatization, greater functional disability, more comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, required more psychotropic medications, and had longer medical admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings reveal that although the majority of medically hospitalized patients with SSRD reported at least 1 relevant life event, it was the patients' perception of the impact of the life event(s) that correlated with high levels of disability and health care use. An assessment of the perception of life events in patients with SSRD may help hospitalists and interdisciplinary providers identify high-risk patients for whom early psychiatry referrals can be made.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults Referred for Psychology Consults

Hospitalized children and adolescents/young adults (AYA) frequently have mental health concerns that may be addressed by consulting psychology. We examined demographic, medical, referral, intervention, and disposition differences between children (≤11 years) and AYA referred for a psychology consult at a pediatric hospital (N = 1091). Referred AYA were more likely to be female, have shorter lengths of stay, and repeat psychology consults. Children were more likely to be referred for anxiety or feeding; AYA were more often referred for depression, pain, somatic complaints, or maladjustment. AYA were more often the target of intervention, receiving cognitive behavioral or problem-focused coping interventions, and more often recommended for psychological follow-up. AYA present unique medical and psychological challenges when hospitalized. Understanding these challenges will help providers improve the care and treatment of AYA. Academic training and future research recommendations are provided.

Exploring Traits of Autism and Their Impact on Functional Disability in Children with Somatic Symptom Disorder

Subclinical traits of autism were measured in children with somatic symptom disorder (SSD, n = 28) and compared with age-matched controls (n = 26) using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) children's version. The KINDL^R quality of life questionnaire was used to assess functional disability. Although there was no significant group difference in total traits of autism, SSD group had significantly greater difficulty in attention switching domain. Logistic regression analysis confirmed attention switching and age were associated with increased likelihood of SSD. In SSD group, difficulty in attention switching significantly negatively correlated with total, family, and friends quality of life scores. In conclusion, assessment and treatment targeting difficulties in attention switching could be useful when dealing with children with SSD.

Severe and enduring somatoform disorders: recognition and management

Patients with severe and enduring somatoform disorders (SESD) characteristically present with multiple, recurrent and frequently changing physical symptoms that have usually been present for several years before referral to a psychiatrist/psychologist. Many patients report long histories of contact with both primary and tertiary care services, have undergone repeated fruitless investigations and have high levels of disability. SESD are responsible for disproportionately high healthcare costs and are the third most common cause of workplace absence. Identification of patients with SESD by psychiatrists requires particular skills: collaboration with colleagues is vital and there are risks of iatrogenic harm. We describe the obstacles encountered in identifying these patients as well as methods of assessment and management. Treatment pathways best suited to managing this large and as yet untended group of patients are described.

Pediatric Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: Primary Care Provider Perspectives

Somatization, or physical symptoms that are inconsistent with a physiological cause that may or may not involve an identified stressor, is common in outpatient pediatrics. When these symptoms persist, they can impair function and progress to a somatic symptom and related disorder (SSRD), resulting in increased health care use and increased demands on primary care providers (PCPs). We performed a needs assessment among PCPs to better understand how best to support providers caring for children with SSRDs. Pediatric PCPs (n = 77) were surveyed to better understand their training, experience, perceptions, and practices of SSRD care. Findings indicate that PCPs have limited training in SSRD care but express interest in learning more. Many barriers to effective care were reported. We hope to use these findings to develop training materials and support services for pediatric PCPs managing SSRDs.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Adolescents with Functional Somatic Syndromes: A Pilot Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program for adolescents with widespread chronic pain and other functional somatic symptoms and to make preliminary assessments of its clinical utility.

STUDY DESIGN

Three cohorts of subjects completed an 8-week MBSR program. Child- and parent-completed measures were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks later. Measures included the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), the Fibromyalgia/Symptom Impact Questionnaire-Revised (FIQR/SIQR), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale (MASC2), and the Perceived Stress Scale. Subjects and parents were interviewed following the program to assess feasibility.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 18 subjects (83%) completed the 8-week program. No adverse events occurred. Compared with baseline scores, significant changes were found in mean scores on the FDI (33% improvement, P = .026), FIQR/SIQR (26% improvement, P = .03), and MASC2 (child: 12% improvement, P = .02; parent report: 17% improvement, P = .03) at 8 weeks. MASC2 scores (child and parent) and Perceived Stress Scale scores were significantly improved at 12 weeks. More time spent doing home practice was associated with better outcomes in the FDI and FIQR/SIQR (44% and 26% improvement, respectively). Qualitative interviews indicated that subjects and parents reported social support as a benefit of the MBSR class, as well as a positive impact of MBSR on activities of daily living, and on pain and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

MBSR is a feasible and acceptable intervention in adolescents with functional somatic syndromes and has preliminary evidence for improving functional disability, symptom impact, and anxiety, with consistency between parent and child measures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02190474.

Somatic symptom disorder was common in children and adolescents attending an emergency department complaining of pain

AIM

The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of somatic pain in a paediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study using patients admitted to the ED of an Italian children's hospital between December 2014 and February 2015. We enrolled children aged 7-17 who turned up at the ED complaining of pain. Patients and parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire to allow the analysis of the patients' medical history and provide contact details for follow-up. We divided the enrolled patients into four groups: post-traumatic pain, organic pain, functional pain and somatic pain. The questionnaire was used to define pain characteristics and to generate an impairment score.

RESULTS

Of the 713 patients who met inclusion criteria, 306 (42.9%) were enrolled in the study. Of these, 135 (44.0%) suffered from post-traumatic pain, 104 (34.0%) from organic pain, 41 (13.4%) from functional pain and 26 (8.6%) from somatic pain. Somatic pain patients had endured pain longer, had missed more school days and had suffered severe functional impairment.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted that somatic pain was a significant contributor to paediatric emergency room visits and should be suspected and diagnosed in children reporting pain.

Pediatric Somatic Symptom Disorders

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a common disorder encountered in pediatric medicine. It involves the presentation of physical symptoms that are either disproportionate or inconsistent with history, physical examination, laboratory, and other investigative findings. SSDs result in significant impairment with considerable increase in healthcare utilization, school absenteeism, and the potential for unnecessary diagnostic evaluation and treatment intervention. Patients and families often feel dismissed and may worry that a serious condition has been missed. Primary care providers are frequently frustrated due to a lack of a successful approach to patients and families impacted by SSD. The result is often a cycle of disability, frustration and missed opportunities for collaboration towards enhanced patient functionality. This review summarizes the current evidence-based understanding, as well as insights from clinician experience, on the evaluation and management of pediatric SSD.

Medically Hospitalized Patients With Eating Disorders and Somatoform Disorders in Pediatrics: What Are Their Similarities and Differences and How Can We Improve Their Care?

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the current study is to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics and health care use of medically hospitalized patients with eating disorders (ED) and somatoform disorders (SFD) in a pediatric setting and to use the findings to explore opportunities for improved care.

METHODS

Retrospective chart reviews of 125 patients with SFD and 125 patients with ED (N = 250) seen at a tertiary pediatric facility over a 12- and 19-month period, respectively.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups were predominantly girls, white, came from households with above average incomes, and had academic pressures, internalizing coping styles, and high rates of anxiety disorders. Compared with SFD patients, ED patients had longer medical admissions (P < .001), more depressive disorders (P < .01), higher lifetime rates of suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors (P < .05), and were more frequently discharged to intensive psychiatric treatment programs (P < .001). SFD patients were referred later to psychiatry (P < .001), had more emergency department visits (P < .001) and more visits to other hospitals (P < .05) and also had higher rates of learning difficulties (P < .001), bullying (P < .05), and trauma (P < .01) compared with ED patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying overlapping features and key differences in the clinical characteristics and health care use of patients with primary psychiatric disorders like ED and SFD, who are frequent users of medical services, is the first step toward developing innovative, integrated hospital-based care approaches and clinical pathways that can reduce service utilization and improve patient outcomes.

Bullying Victimization in Medically Hospitalized Patients With Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders: Prevalence and Associated Factors

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence of bullying victimization among medically admitted patients with somatic symptom and related disorders (SSDs) and to compare demographic, diagnostic, and psychosocial characteristics of bullied versus nonbullied patients.

METHODS

Medically admitted patients at a tertiary pediatric facility referred to the Psychiatry Consultation Service with somatic concerns were assessed via a quality improvement (QI) initiative, the SSD Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SSD-SCAMP). Retrospective chart and QI data on adolescent and young adult patients assessed via SSD-SCAMP from May 2012 - December 2014 were reviewed.

RESULTS

Medical records of 282 patients (aged 12-22 years) diagnosed with SSDs were reviewed. Approximately 37% had a history of bullying victimization. Compared with nonbullied patients, bullied patients had higher somatization scores, more functional neurologic symptoms, and longer admissions. Bullied patients also had higher rates of comorbid anxiety, suicidal histories, and family psychiatric histories. Furthermore, bullied patients also had higher rates of learning disabilities and school accommodations and endorsed more significant life events within the year before hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the unique health and psychosocial challenges experienced by medically hospitalized bullied adolescents and young adults with SSDs. The findings highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to assessment and management. By implementing QI initiatives such as the SSD-SCAMP, providers can bridge the gap between the clinical needs and long-term management of patients with SSDs.