Clinical and psychopathological profiles of children with somatic symptom disorders in a pediatric emergency unit: an observational study before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Somatic symptom disorders (SSDs) are a group of clinical conditions characterized by heterogeneous physical symptoms, not directly supported by a demonstrable organic process. Despite representing a growing problem in the pediatric age, the literature lacks studies assessing the psychopathological and clinical features of subjects with SSD, particularly during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This is a retrospective, observational study, involving two historical cohorts of children admitted to a tertiary referral Italian hospital over the 2 years preceding and following the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Demographic, clinical, socio-economical, and psychological variables were investigated. Standardized tests for the developmental age were administered to assess psychopathological variables. Overall rates and trends of accesses for SSD, as compared to the total accesses for any cause at the Pediatric Emergency Room during the same periods, were reported as well. Fifty-one (pre-pandemic, 29; pandemic, 22) children with SSD were enrolled (age, 11.4 ± 2.4 years, F = 66.7%). Subjects in the pandemic historical cohort reported more frequently fever (p < 0.001), headache (p = 0.032), and asthenia (p < 0.001), as well as more chronic conditions in personal and family history, and fewer previous hospital accesses, as compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. Depressed mood and anxious traits were documented in both samples. None of them had an ongoing or a previously reported SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the pandemic, a clinical psychologist was more frequently consulted before the hospital discharge to mental health services, to support the diagnosis. Conclusion: This study showed the significant burden of SSD in children, highlighting the need to implement pediatricians’ education to optimize the management of these patients. Children with SSD who accessed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presented specific clinical features. Future studies, conducted on longitudinal and controlled samples, are indicated to further investigate children with these conditions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-023-04850-3.