Lifelong Learning: Somatization in Adolescents With Persistent Symptoms After Concussion: A Retrospective Chart Review-View Article

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The study examines somatization in adolescents experiencing persistent symptoms after a concussion. Around 30% of adolescents who've had a concussion face prolonged symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue, which can severely impact their lives. This research highlights how psychological distress could contribute to these prolonged symptoms through a process called somatization.<br /><br />The study reviewed medical records from a specialized concussion clinic, comparing characteristics of adolescents with and without clinician-identified somatization. Adolescents with somatization showed more severe and unusual neurological and psychiatric symptoms, higher impairment in school attendance, and a history of chronic pain or unexplained symptoms. They also had more medical consultations and neuroimaging post-injury. However, mood or anxiety reports did not vary significantly between groups.<br /><br />The research underscores the importance of understanding and identifying somatization in clinical practice, as it can influence the severity and duration of post-concussion symptoms. Clinicians may consider the severity of symptoms, unusual symptom types, and medical service use when assessing for somatization. Poor school attendance was also linked with somatization, suggesting it could be a factor in clinician assessments.<br /><br />The study suggests that further exploration into psychosocial factors is needed and emphasizes the value of early identification for timely intervention to prevent long-term impacts on adolescent development and functioning. The findings could guide clinicians in diagnosing and treating somatization in adolescents, ultimately improving recovery outcomes after a concussion. Future research should employ a more structured approach and consider the biopsychosocial complexities involved in somatization.

Keywords

somatization

adolescents

concussion

persistent symptoms

psychological distress

neurological symptoms

school attendance

medical consultations

early identification

biopsychosocial factors