A clinical analysis of hysteria and psychalgia

Abstract

A retrospective study of children presenting with pain to the Child Guidance Clinic, during 1984-85 revealed 101 cases of hysteria and 22 of psychalgia. Children in these two groups did not differ significantly with respect to sex, age, education or occupation of parent. Children with psychalgia presented significantly later, and more frequently complained of headaches and abdominal pain. Children with hysteria presented with seizures, abdominal pain and anxiety symptoms. Pain can be of psychological origin also. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary investigations and reinforcement of the "sick role".