Parent-child communication-centered rehabilitative approach for pediatric functional somatic symptoms

Background: Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) are a type of somatization phenomenon. Integrative rehabilitation approaches are the preferred treatment for pediatric FSS. Parental roles in the treatment process have not been established. Study aims: to present 1) a parent-focused treatment (PFT) for pediatric FSS and 2) the approach’s preliminary results. Methods: The sample included 50 children with physical disabilities due to FSS. All children received PFT including physical and psychological therapy. A detailed description of the program’s course and guiding principles is provided. Outcome measures: FSS extinction and age-appropriate functioning. Results: Post-program, 84% of participants did not exhibit FSS and 94% returned to age-appropriate functioning. At one-year follow-up, only 5% of participants experienced symptom recurrence. No associations were found between pre-admission symptoms and intervention duration. Conclusion: PFT is beneficial in treating pediatric FSS. Therefore, intensive parental involvement in rehabilitation may be cardinal.