Somatic Symptoms in a Population-Based Sample from Childhood to Adolescence: Stability and Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors

The present study investigated group and individual stability and predictors of somatic symptoms from childhood to adolescence in a population-based sample. 259 youth were evaluated at 6-12 years (M 8.1) and 8 years later (M 15.2). Sixteen somatic symptoms from the parent-rated Pediatric Behavior Scale were used for analyses, in addition to psychopathology subscales. Most somatic symptom prevalence rates decreased from childhood to adolescence. Group mean scores were relatively stable over time. Individual stability for the absence of somatic symptoms in childhood and adolescence was high, yet individual stability for the presence of somatic symptoms at both time points was low. Most symptoms remitted for the majority of youth. New cases in adolescence were common. Significant correlates of childhood and adolescent somatic symptoms varied. Longitudinal predictors were childhood somatic symptoms and adolescent medication status. Childhood psychopathology scores did not predict the total adolescent somatic symptom score.