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How Can Therapy Help Teens with Psychosomatic Issues?

Writer's picture: Dr. Patty RichardsonDr. Patty Richardson

As any parent or caregiver of a teenager can attest, adolescence is a time of both physical and emotional change. For many teens, navigating the pressures of school, friendships, family expectations, and developing identities can take a toll on their mental health. But sometimes, the mental and emotional strain manifests in physical ways.


Psychosomatic symptoms are when psychological factors lead to or exacerbate physical symptoms. For instance, a teen might experience chronic headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, or fatigue without any underlying medical condition. These physical symptoms can be deeply distressing, leaving teens feeling misunderstood or even frustrated with their bodies.


Common psychosomatic symptoms include:

​

  • Headaches

  • Pseudo seizures

  • Passing out/dizziness

  • Limb immobility 

  • Stomachaches or gastrointestinal issues (like nausea, diarrhea, or constipation)

  • Muscle tension or pain

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Sweating, tremors, or palpitations


This is where pediatric psychologists can make a significant difference. We specialize in helping young people connect the dots between their emotional states and physical health. Key aspects of treatment include:


1. Understanding the Mind-Body Connection

The mind and body are intricately connected, and one affects the other in profound ways. When a teen experiences high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression, their body often reacts in physical ways. For example, stress can lead to muscle tension, which might cause chronic neck or back pain. Anxiety can lead to digestive issues or headaches. In other words, the body is responding to emotional distress.


We will work with your child and family to help you understand how the mind-body connection works.


2. Helping Teens Manage Stress and Anxiety

Teenagers often feel overwhelmed by the pressures they face—academic stress, peer relationships, other medical issues, and even tricky family dynamics.


Therapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist your child in recognizing and challenging negative thought patterns that might be causing emotional distress and physical symptoms. Mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques, including deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, are also effective tools for reducing anxiety and easing some of the physical discomfort. By providing teens with coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, a pediatric psychologist not only aids in reducing their psychosomatic symptoms but also equips them with lifelong skills for emotional regulation.


3. Developing a School Success Plan

For some teens, the idea of returning to school after a period of absence due to psychosomatic symptoms can feel overwhelming. Instead of jumping straight back into a full schedule, pediatric psychologists often work with teens and their families to create a gradual return-to-school plan.


This plan might include beginning with shorter school days or attending select classes, enabling teens to adjust at their own speed. By dividing the return to school into smaller, manageable steps, teens are less prone to feeling overwhelmed and more inclined to achieve success.


Additionally, we work closely with the school to ensure that teachers, counselors, and administrators are informed and can provide accommodations if needed. This collaboration can ease the transition and ensure teens have the support they need throughout the process.


4. Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Sometimes, teens with psychosomatic symptoms may not have the healthiest lifestyle habits, which can exacerbate their physical and emotional struggles. Poor sleep hygiene, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating patterns can all contribute to both emotional and physical distress. We can play an important role in helping teens adopt healthier habits.


We often collaborate with teens to establish a consistent sleep routine, encourage regular physical activity, and introduce mindfulness practices that promote relaxation. By improving lifestyle factors, teens' overall well-being improves, which can reduce psychosomatic symptoms.


5. Encouraging Healthy Family Support and Communication

Psychosomatic symptoms can be challenging for both kids and parents. Parents may feel confused, frustrated, or helpless when their child is dealing with unexplained physical symptoms. In some cases, teens may even feel embarrassed or guilty about their symptoms.


Pediatric psychologists can work with the family as a unit, fostering open communication and helping family members understand the emotional and psychological factors contributing to the teen’s physical discomfort. Parents can also learn how to offer the right kind of emotional support—whether that’s validating their child’s feelings or creating an environment that encourages stress reduction and sticking to routines.


6. Staying Closely Connected With the Medical Team

It’s important for pediatric psychologists to work closely with medical providers when treating psychosomatic symptoms. Psychosomatic symptoms can be complex, multifaceted, and benefit from collaboration across multiple medical subspecialties. Research shows that when medical and psychological treatments are integrated, children tend to have better outcomes. Treating both the mind and body in tandem can lead to quicker recovery, reduced hospitalizations, and less reliance on medications.


7. Long-Term Mental Health Benefits

It’s important to recognize that treating psychosomatic symptoms is not just about alleviating physical symptoms—it's about promoting long-term mental health. By teaching teens emotional regulation strategies and coping mechanisms, we help lay the foundation for improved mental health in the future. Teens who learn how to manage their stress, understand their emotional needs, and take care of their mental well-being are less likely to experience chronic psychosomatic symptoms as they grow older.


Moreover, these skills can help teens navigate the challenges they will inevitably face as they transition into adulthood. Whether it's managing work-related stress, handling relationships, or coping with the pressures of daily life, the tools learned through therapy can benefit the teen for years to come.


Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Healing

As pediatric psychologists, we are uniquely equipped to help teens struggling with psychosomatic symptoms. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the symptoms, we offer a holistic approach to healing that empowers teens to take control of their mental and physical well-being. With the right help, teens can thrive both mentally and physically, leading to better overall health and a brighter future.


If you suspect that your teen is experiencing psychosomatic or functional symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out. We will have your back.

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