Joint pathology requires a joint venture

Given the fact that somatisation or somatoform problems are very common in children, special attention is required for its management and prevention. A joint approach (paediatrician-child psychiatrist) to the more severe sufferers (n = 168), hospitalised in a paediatric ward resulted in an extremely high acceptance rate of psychiatric intervention by the parents (97%, 5/168). In spite of earlier research that reports improvement by paediatric reassurance and psychotherapeutic treatment, the clear differentiation between temporarily functional symptoms and associated mental disorders and the high number of psychiatric problems (n = 116/169%) plead for a more tailored, specialised approach. The recognition by patients and their parents of documented physical as well as emotional illness is essential for their engagement in treatment. Somatoform disorders are best regarded as a joint pathology since a joint venture performs better. Until double-blind studies are available, positive outcomes motivate for continuation. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.