PERIODIC SYNDROME IN CHILD

PERIODIC SYNDROME IN CHILD

The disorder refers to periodic occurrence of certain symptoms such as colicky abdominal pain (periumbilical) nausea and vomiting, headache (often of migranous variety), diarrhea or constipation, marked pallor or flushing, fever and prostration. These manifestations may be present in various combinations.

A characteristic feature of the syndrome is that recurrences occur at different periodicity of weeks or months. In between the attacks, the child is all right.

The patients are usually emotional, highly strung, obsessional and perfectionists. Their parents’ “expectations” are far too lofty. A quarrel in the family or school examination often precipitates the attack. There is, as a rule, no evidence of infection. In a small proportion, there may be evidence of epilepsy.

Treatment consists in providing assistance with emotional stress in the family or school. Regular psychotherapy may be warranted in “hard” cases.