Chronic abdominal pain and homesickness in an adolescent male.
Recurrent abdominal pain is a frequent presenting complaint for adolescents under stress. For many, this symptom provides legitimate access to a medical provider, where other, "hidden" psychosocial agendas may be safely explored. However, providers should be cautious and not neglect the physical examination and diagnostic work-up. In this case report, we describe the discovery of underlying parasitic infections in an adolescent with multiple psychosocial stressors and abdominal pain.
Cohall
A T
AT
St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center, Department of Pediatrics, New York, New York 10019.
Combe-Orlowski
F
F
D000005:Abdomen; D000293:Adolescent; D001010:Anxiety, Separation / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications