Somatoform disorders in vertiginous children and adolescents

Abstract

Objective To investigate the frequency and characteristics of psychiatric co morbidity in a group of vertiginous children. Methods A retrospective review of patient notes between years 2000 and 2006 in the ENT clinic of Helsinki University Hospital. Patients were identified from the clinic database, based on hospital discharge codes. Results 119 children were examined because of vertigo. Nine vertiginous children had purely psychogenic vertigo. The main psychiatric diagnosis was depression. The prevalence of somatoform disorders was 2.5%. According to our study the main predictors of a psychogenic vertigo were constant or frequent vertigo usually with coexisting headaches, absence from school and problems with relationships at school or home. Conclusion Somatisation should always be kept in mind while dealing with vertiginous children. A thorough clinical work-up is needed to rule out potential illnesses, but as soon as the possibility of somatisation comes to mind, psychiatric consultation is recommended.