Self-esteem, emotional and behavioral problems, and psychopathology in children with somatic symptoms and related disorders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: There are few studies in the literature on somatic symptoms and related disorders (SSRD) in children. The aim of this study is to investigate emotional and behavioral difficulties, self-esteem, psychopathology, and clinical characteristics in children with somatic symptoms. Method: This study included 44 children with recurrent and distressing somatic complaint(s) and 49 healthy children. The diagnosis of SSRD was evaluated in detail according to DSM-5 criteria. Self-esteem, emotional and behavioral difficulties, and somatization were assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Children's Somatization Inventory (CSI-24), respectively. Results: Children with somatization had significantly greater rates of having at least one comorbid mental disorder, emotional symptoms scores, and peer relationship problems. On the other hand, these children's prosocial behavior scores (Strengths Score), self-esteem scores, and academic performance were significantly lower than the control group. In addition, children with SSRD had more disadvantaged familial characteristics such as low father education, high family history of psychiatric and medical illness and somatization, high marital problems, and domestic violence. Conclusions: This study revealed that somatization in children is associated with increased emotional, peer, and academic problems and psychopathology rates, and low self-esteem and prosocial behaviors. In clinical practice, it would be advisable to evaluate thoroughly children with SSRD in terms of familial disadvantages, emotional, peer, and academic problems, and psychopathology, rather than focusing solely on somatic symptoms.