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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Is my child suffering from hypochondriasis?
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Is my child suffering from hypochondriasis?
by Shirlene, Jan 30, 2001 12:00AM
Hi, I'm a 31 yr.old mother of an 11 yr. old daughter. I have chronic renel failure and will be getting a transplant in about 1 yr. I also have gout once a week because my kidneys do not filter uric acid. So I'm in alot of pain alot of time. Anyway, my daughter, for the last few months, has complained of headaches, stomachaches, and just about anything else you can imagine. She often calls from school to come home. Shes had a physical, and is fine. I try to give her every ounce of my attention because I don't want my illness to affect her. I'm always telling her I'm ok and to not worry. I tell her constantly how much I love her. We are very close. My question is do you think she has hypochondriasis? and how should I handle it? I've tried ignoring the symtoms and getting her mind on something else. I've tried reassuring her,shes ok. I've tried hiding my pain from her. I just don't know what to do. I just couldn't forgive myself if I'm hurting my baby because of my disease. Please help.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Jan 30, 2001 12:00AM
, Jan 30, 2001 12:00AM
Dear Shirlene,
I'm sure you understand that I am not able in this Forum to determine what is occurring with your daughter. But a couple of possibilities are worth consideration. One is that she may be avoiding some stressor at school itself, so her behavior is meant to escape something that is making her anxious. Another possibility is that school itself is OK, but she is worried about being away from you and the behavior serves the pupose of staying close at hand. This pattern sometimes occurs when a youngster is worried about their parent's safety and well-being. These by no means are the only possibilities.
It would make sense, if you haven't already done so, to discuss the situation with school guidamce or clinical personnel, and perhaps to talk as well (and have your daughter speak with) a mental health professional outside of school. Whatever the case, it is important to be sure your daughter lives up to her school responsibilities. Also, discern whether the behavior is confined to school days (which would argue against the presence of a physical problem), or whether it occurs during weekends, vacations, etc. as well. Sometimes children have viruses or other conditons of the GI tract that may not at fist glance be evident.
I'm sure you understand that I am not able in this Forum to determine what is occurring with your daughter. But a couple of possibilities are worth consideration. One is that she may be avoiding some stressor at school itself, so her behavior is meant to escape something that is making her anxious. Another possibility is that school itself is OK, but she is worried about being away from you and the behavior serves the pupose of staying close at hand. This pattern sometimes occurs when a youngster is worried about their parent's safety and well-being. These by no means are the only possibilities.
It would make sense, if you haven't already done so, to discuss the situation with school guidamce or clinical personnel, and perhaps to talk as well (and have your daughter speak with) a mental health professional outside of school. Whatever the case, it is important to be sure your daughter lives up to her school responsibilities. Also, discern whether the behavior is confined to school days (which would argue against the presence of a physical problem), or whether it occurs during weekends, vacations, etc. as well. Sometimes children have viruses or other conditons of the GI tract that may not at fist glance be evident.
