Early intervention for psychosomatic symptoms of adolescents in a school checkup

Background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of early medical intervention for psychosocial problems in adolescents detected in a school health checkup, with the broader goal of prevention of these problems in adolescents.

Methods

The Questionnaire for Triage and Assessment with 30 items (QTA30) score and scores for 5 subscales (physical symptoms, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, self-efficacy and family function), and an investigation of lifestyle were determined in a school health checkup for 5th grade elementary to 3rd grade junior high school students. Forty-three children were found to be at high risk for psychosomatic disorder, of whom 18 then received a medical intervention (early intervention group) and 25 did not (non-intervention group). Fifty-seven children (outpatient group) treated for psychosomatic disorder for ≤3 months were also included in the study. The QTA30 was completed by all participants every three months for one year and scores were compared among the groups.

Results

In the early intervention group, total QTA30 scores; physical, depression, and anxiety symptoms; and unstable relationships with friends and teachers at school all significantly improved after one year compared to the 1st survey. None of these items improved in the non-intervention group, while the outpatient group had gradual improvement in all scores. Family function scores in the early intervention group improved over time, whereas those in the non-intervention group worsened.

Conclusion

Early detection of children at high risk for psychosomatic disorder at a school health checkup and early medical intervention were useful for prevention of psychosomatic disorder in adolescents.

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