title: Psychosocial functioning in children and adolescents with gastrointestinal complaints and disorders.
abstract: The current study examined the prevalence and presentation of psychosocial symptoms in pediatric patients and their parents presenting for first time appointments at a gastroenterology (GI) clinic compared to healthy controls (HC). One hundred GI patients, aged 8-17 years, and their mothers were compared to 100 age- and gender-matched HC on measures of child and parental behavioral/psychosocial functioning, depression, and anxiety. Results revealed significant correlations between mother- and child-reported internalizing behaviors and psychological symptoms. Significant group differences were observed in internalizing problems, adaptive and social skills, and leadership competency, as well as parental interpersonal sensitivity, depression, phobic anxiety, and number of psychological symptoms. GI patients are at increased risk for psychosocial and social dysfunction compared to healthy peers. Psychosocial factors should be considered when assessing patients in GI clinics. Patients might benefit from treatment plans that involve adjunctive behavioral intervention to assist patients in managing their conditions.
authors.affiliation: Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Ave.-MLC 7039, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. kevin.hommel@cchmc.org
authors.forename: Kevin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hommel
authors.forename: Kelly L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: McGraw
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Ammerman
authors.forename: James E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Heubi
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Ellen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dunlap
authors.forename: Deborah C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Beidel
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010552:Personality Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012919:Social Behavior