title: An algorithm for defining somatization in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Defining somatization in pediatric populations presents a unique challenge, because DSM-IV somatization criteria may be inadequate for identifying a child with somatization. Two approaches exist. Child somatization has frequently been rooted in a questionnaire model, focusing on child or parent responses to assess how well a child conforms to a specific mental health profile. Others use a medical diagnosis model, designating a child with somatization as those for whom a limited number of medical measures have failed to reveal a pathological source of symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  We incorporate concepts based upon a literature review from January 1994 to June 2005 of PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL on classification and diagnosis of somatization in children ages 6 to 12. Our goal is to understand in depth the topic and suggest a way to better understand and classify somatization in children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We incorporate an integrative approach toward defining child somatization and propose an algorithm to step-by-step classify children with somatic symptoms into three distinct groups: sick, somatizers, and well. This approach includes information from self-report questionnaire, physician questionnaire, and the child's medical chart.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This new algorithm suggests an approach for differentiating primary care pediatric clinic visitors into three distinct groups. Although used in clinical practice, empirical validation is necessary to further validate this algorithm.
authors.affiliation: New York Institute for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, New York, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Inna
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Postilnik
authors.forename: Howard D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Eisman
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: Joshua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fogel