title: The differential diagnosis of functional symptoms in adolescence.
abstract: Functional complaints constitute the major reason why adolescents visit the physician's office. These complaints may co-exist with organic illness of minor or major significance. Distinguishing between the organic and functional component is the physician's first task. But, just as each organic condition requires a different medical workup and treatment plan, each functional disorder also requires a variety of approaches. The physician therefore must be aware of the need for a further differential diagnosis among functional symptoms in adolescence. This article proposes a definition of functional disorders, sets forth a classification of the differential diagnosis of these disorders and suggests techniques for their management.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D006998:Hypochondriasis / Q000175:diagnosis; D008306:Malingering / Q000175:diagnosis; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology