Caracterización clínica y psicológica de escolares y adolescentes con dolor abdominal recurrente / Clinical and psychological characterization of children with recurrent abdominal pain

In order to characterize further the nature of emotional factors in RAP patients, we conducted a controlled psychological evaluation of 46 consecutive new patients with RAP, aged 7-17 (group A) by mean of structured interviews and questionnaires. Two control groups of pediatric patients with chronic illnesses were also assessed using the same methodology. Group B consisted of 22 individuals with chronic abdominal pain and endoscopiy-proven peptic ulcer or duodenitis and group C consisted of 24 individuals with chronic, stable, non gastroenterological diseases (diabetes mellitus or physical handicaps). Parents were evaluated for depressive symptoms