Early intervention for psychosomatic symptoms of adolescents in school checkup

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early medical intervention for psychosocial problems detected in adolescents in a school health checkup, with the broader goal of prevention of these problems in adolescents. Methods The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items score and scores for five subscales (physical symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, self‐efficacy, and family function), and an investigation of lifestyle were determined in a school health checkup for 5th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high school students. Forty‐three children were found to be at high risk for psychosomatic disorder, of whom 18 then received a medical intervention (early intervention group) and 25 did not (non‐intervention group). Fifty‐seven children (outpatient group) treated for psychosomatic disorder for ≤3 months were also included in the study. The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) was completed by all participants every 3 months for 1 year and scores were compared among the groups. Results In the early intervention group, total Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items scores; physical, depression, and anxiety symptoms; and unstable relationships with friends and teachers at school all significantly improved after 1 year compared to the first survey. None of these items improved in the non‐intervention group, while the outpatient group had gradual improvement in all scores. Family function scores in the early intervention group improved over time, whereas those in the non‐intervention group worsened. Conclusions Early detection of children at high risk for psychosomatic disorder at a school health checkup and early medical intervention were useful for prevention of psychosomatic disorder in adolescents.

The Experience of Psychosomatic Disorders among Adolescents: Challenges and Coping Strategies

“…The coping strategies identified in our study, including seeking professional help, social support, personal coping mechanisms, and educational adjustments, resonate with the findings of Giannotta et al (2022) and Habukawa et al (2022). These studies advocate for early intervention and the importance of supportive environments in mitigating the psychosomatic symptoms of adolescents (Giannotta et al, 2022;Habukawa et al, 2022). Our findings further highlight the significance of coping strategies in managing psychosomatic disorders, as evidenced by Ismail et al (2021), who explored the mediating role of drug hazard knowledge in the relationship between coping strategies and substance use disorders (Ismail et al, 2021).…”

“…The coping strategies identified in our study, including seeking professional help, social support, personal coping mechanisms, and educational adjustments, resonate with the findings of Giannotta et al (2022) and Habukawa et al (2022). These studies advocate for early intervention and the importance of supportive environments in mitigating the psychosomatic symptoms of adolescents (Giannotta et al, 2022;Habukawa et al, 2022).…”

“…sychosomatic disorders, as described in the medical literature, encompass a range of physical illnesses that are either exacerbated or primarily caused by mental factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. These conditions can manifest through various physical symptoms, including but not limited to, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and fatigue, which do not have a clear medical diagnosis (Giannotta et al, 2022;Habukawa et al, 2022). The prevalence of such disorders among adolescents has been on the rise, a trend that underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the underlying causes, as well as effective strategies for intervention and support.…”