Disorganized attachment and psychological symptoms in children with somatic symptoms disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Somatic symptoms disorders (SSD) are one of the most neglected areas in child and adolescent psychiatry (Mohapatra et al., 2014). SSD are characterized by multiple and variable physical symptoms without demonstrable pathophysiological processes. Literature has investigated the role of several psychological variables in SSD, with inconclusive data. Moreover, there is a paucity of studies on middle-childhood and early adolescence in this clinical condition.

Objectives

We focus on the role of attachment and on psychological aspects in children with SSD.

Aims

The aims are to verify the presence of:

– an overrepresentation of attachment disorganization in these children;

– an overrepresentation of psychological symptoms.

Methods

Fifty-six consecutive Italian patients with SSD, aged from 8 to 15, were administered Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach, 1991) and Child Attachment Interview (Shmueli-Goetz et al., 2000).

Results

Findings showed:

– a significant presence of disorganized attachment with respect to both parents;

– high levels of anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

This study extended previous research in middle-childhood and early adolescence in SSD. The findings support the influence of the disorganization aspects and the psychological problems surrounding the SSD. The clinical implications for future research directions are discussed.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.