Exploring emotional awareness and attachment styles in young patients with somatic symptoms

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between emotional awareness, attachment styles, and the presence of somatic symptoms in pediatric patients aged 11 to 17. It focuses on understanding how these psychological factors may influence the manifestation of conditions like chronic pain and fatigue, which often lack organic diagnoses. The study will also assess the health costs incurred during the diagnostic phase prior to identifying somatic symptoms, providing insights into clinical markers for early diagnosis and comprehensive patient care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical condition characterized by somatic symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, dyspepsia, psychogenic cough, and chronic functional pain (headache, migraine, musculoskeletal pain) for which an organic cause has been excluded and whose symptom has had a strong impact on the quality of life (presence of the symptom for six months, school absenteeism, social isolation, immobility, psychological distress, difficulty in participating in sports and extracurricular activities, etc.), as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria.
* Age between 11 and 17 years
* Italian speaking
* Patients' and parents' consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive and/or developmental impairment
* Difficulty in understanding the Italian language
* Presence of organic disease diagnosis
* Lack of informed consent
* Patient who does not meet DSM-5 criteria for somatic symptom disorder

Caregiver exclusion criteria:

* Cognitive deficits
* Difficulty in understanding the Italian language
* Lack of informed consent

Control group population inclusion criteria:

* Age between 11 and 17 years
* Adequate knowledge of the Italian language
* Consent to participate

Where it's running

• Meyer Children's Hospital
  Florence, Firenze, Italy Recruiting
• IRCCS Gianna Gaslini
  Genova, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rosanna Martin, MSc — Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS
• Study coordinator: Rosanna Martin, MSc
• Email: rosanna.martin@meyer.it
• Phone: 055 5662475

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.