Frequency and etiology of psychogenic pain disorders in children and adolescents

ABSTRACT

To find out the frequency and etiology of psychogenic pain disorders in children and adolescents of NWFP, Pakistan. A descriptive hospital based study. From October 2000 to April 2003 at Paediatric Department PGMI, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, NWFP, Pakistan. The referral cases of 100 children and adolescents presenting only with psychogenic pain disorders were included in the study. Each patient was administered self-constructed semi-structural interview schedule including relevant psychosocial information. Among 100 patients, 58% were boys and 42% were girls with mean age 10.21 years and SD 2.51. The 62% children were educated [upwards arrow] 5[th] class. Forty five percent of the sample reported psychogenic abdominal pain whereas psychosocial etiological factors included 38% children with different temperaments, 31% with adjustment problems, 17% were faulty child rearing styles and 14% with academic problems. It is evident from the research findings that there are significant numbers of children with psychogenic pain disorders as a result of specific psychosocial etiological factors