Is PTSD Associated with Somatic Symptoms in Adolescents?

The association between childhood trauma and somatic symptoms in adults is well known. However, this association is not well-studied among adolescents. Now, a study has evaluated the impact of childhood trauma on youths (n = 363) aged seven to 17 years using the Patient Health Questionnaire-13 and Child PTSD Checklist. The study identified posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) among youths using DSM-5-TR. The youths who experienced PTSD had a higher number (7.0 vs.

4.0) and intensity (10.4 vs. 3.7 points) of somatic symptoms compared to the non-PTSD group. The somatic symptoms found in the PTSD group included migraines, palpitation, fatigue, nausea, and sleep disorders. These findings suggest that youths with childhood trauma require regular screening for somatic symptoms and highlight the need to provide comprehensive care to them. Do you investigate the history of trauma when…