Children and adolescents with functional somatic symptoms:empowerment and illness beliefs after family therapy

摘要

Background: Young patients with Functional Somatic Symptoms (FSS) are common and may present in all clinical settings. Clinical presentation varies from self–limiting to severe and disabling symptoms with impairment in several domains of daily life.Psychological treatment targeting dysfunctional illness beliefs and poor sense of empowerment has been shown effective for FSS in adults. In comparison current knowledge about psychological treatment and the significance of illness beliefs and empowerment in children and adolescents with severe FSS is scarce.Aims: To conduct a qualitative study which aims to examine how specific illness beliefs and a sense of empowerment evolve and change during specialized family-based treatment delivered in a child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) setting. Further, how these affect symptom experiences and coping strategies. Methods: Data collection by semi-structured interviews with approx. 10 children with FSS and their Parents at strategic points in treatment, followed by analysis using Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). IPA is a well-described qualitative method combining hermeneutic and phenomenological thoughts. Results: Preliminary data from interviews conducted prior to family therapy, indicate that illness beliefs and sense of empowerment may be diverging for children and their parents, and are influenced by many factors, such as health professionals, family history, media and personal experiences.Conclusions: Increased knowledge about how family therapy is perceived, and how the treatment affects illness beliefs and sense of empowerment may be used in the further development of effective family-based treatment programmes for this patient group.