The utility of universal screening for somatization in a pediatric emergency department: A prospective evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate clinical utility and feasibility of universal somatization screening in the pediatric emergency department (ED) using a standardized approach of (1) identifying potential somatizing symptoms within the ED, (2) introducing these patients and their caregivers to the concept of the 'mind-body connection', (3) corroborating the likelihood of a somatization diagnosis via brief psychiatric assessment, and (4) inviting families to a psychoeducational follow-up session.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to carry out this approach with families visiting a pediatric ED. Our primary outcome of screening utility was measured as the proportion of youth who screened positive for somatization by the ED clinician. Our secondary outcome of screening feasibili

SUBMITTER: Virk P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8593319 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature