Somatoform Disorders in Children and Adolescents: a Comparison With Other Internalizing Disorders

A chart review of children & adolescent attending a university-based psychiatric outpatient clinic over a 1-yr period was done. 19 consecutive patients with somatoform disorder were compared wtih 26 consecutive patients with other internalizing disorders, ie. depressive disorders and/or anxiety disorders without disruptive behaviour problems. Self- & parent-reported levels of psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, & deliberate self-harm, differentiated between somatoform disorders & other internalizing disorders at the group level. (33 refs)