Study of Emotional Awareness, Attachment Styles, and IQ in Children and Teens with Somatic Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how emotional awareness, attachment style, and the ability to think abstractly and symbolize IQ may influence the development of somatic symptoms in children and adolescents. These symptoms, such as pain, weakness, and chronic fatigue, often lead patients to seek medical advice but may lack an identifiable organic cause. The study also aims to better understand psychological and family factors tied to chronic somatic symptoms and to measure health costs incurred during the diagnostic process before a formal diagnosis is made. The study involves pediatric patients aged 11 to 17 years who have somatic symptom disorders, along with their caregivers. Participants complete psychological assessments during their first consultation, including questionnaires evaluating emotional awareness, attachment style, and cognitive abilities. Parents also provide information through questionnaires about demographic, medical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. A control group of similar age and language proficiency without somatic symptoms is also included. Participants fill out various questionnaires during their enrollment visit to assess emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors, as well as pain perception and coping strategies. These assessments help researchers measure the primary outcomes related to emotional awareness, attachment, and IQ, along with several secondary outcomes such as stress, behavioral issues, and parental reflective functioning. The study helps identify markers for early diagnosis and guides more comprehensive care for affected youths.

Alexithymia and Attachment Style in Patients With Somatic Symptoms