Functional somatic symptoms and associated impairment in 5–7-year-old children: the Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000

Abstract

Research on somatisation or functional disorders, characterised by the subjective report of physical symptoms in the absence of clear physical pathology, in young children is limited. This study investigates the distribution, types and co-occurrence of parent-reported functional somatic symptoms (FSS) and their impairment in a population-based sample of Danish 5-7-year-old children. Data were obtained from a 5-7-year follow-up of the Copenhagen Child Cohort 2000. The entire study population included 3,000 randomly sampled children from the cohort. Among these FSS measures were obtained for 1,327 children. The newly introduced parent interview, the soma assessment interview, was used to assess the child's FSS. Impairing symptoms were defined as FSS that caused substantial discomfort, impairment of everyday life, absence from day-care or school and/or help-seeking in the health care system. The 1-year prevalence of any FSS was 23.2% (N = 308) and higher in girls than boys (27.6 vs. 18.8%, P < 0.0001). Impairing FSS were found in 4.4% (N = 58). Pain complaints, i.e. limb pain, headache and abdominal pain, were the most frequently reported FSS. Among the 308 children with FSS, 66 (21.4%) presented with two or more of these functional pain complaints, while 15 (4.9%) had all three types. The findings indicate that FSS are common health complaints in 5-7-year-old children. A subgroup with impairing FSS with a likely need of clinical intervention was identified. This suggests that a somatisation pattern may start early in life and call for future studies to include associated impairment in the investigation of childhood FSS.

Functional Somatic Symptoms and Consultation Patterns in 5- to 7-Year-Olds

“…Medically unexplained or functional somatic symptoms (FSS) are common among young people [1][2][3][4][5] and account for ∼10% to 15% of visits in medical services. [6][7][8][9] According to their symptoms, these children may undergo many investigations and treatment approaches, which can influence their well-being and constitute a large cost burden on society.…”

“…30,31 In a previous study, we identified a pattern of FSS associated with significant impairment and distress in children as young as 5 to 7 years. 4 The purposes of the current study were to investigate health care use in these children during their first 4 years of life and to explore factors linked to medical help seeking. We focused on health care use in general practice because, in many countries, the general practitioner acts as a gatekeeper whom individuals have to consult to be referred to more specialized medical care.…”

Somatic symptoms, severe mood dysregulation, and aggressiveness in preschool children

“…The prevalence of recurrent somatic complaints was 20.4%. In another study with similar population [42], the frequency was 23.2% and complaints such as headache and stomachache were the most present.…”

Association of Maternal Self-Medication and Over-the-Counter Analgesics for Children

“…Functional pain is a well-known phenomenon in children, where analgesics are of little benefit. 36 In other cases, analgesics may mask serious symptoms and thereby postpone treatment of an underlying disease. Persistent pain of unknown reason in a child should always be examined by a physician.…”