Hallucinations after withdrawal of valproic acid.

We report 2 children with a history of epilepsy in whom valproic acid (VPA) withdrawal was identified as a potential cause of hallucinations. After a restart of VPA, the hallucinations disappeared. We suggest mechanisms for the occurrence of the hallucinations and a possible control of a predisposition to hallucinations by VPA.

Psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents presenting with unexplained chronic pain: what is the prevalence and clinical relevancy?

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children with unexplained chronic pain (UCP) is high in unselected populations and pain clinics, yet the clinical relevance of these disorders in children referred for unexplained pain is not known. This study assessed the prevalence of clinically relevant psychiatric disorders and their predictors in children referred to a children's hospital for UCP. Psychiatry morbidity was assessed in 134 children, aged 8-17 years, using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-parent version (DISC-P) and the Semi-structured Clinical Interview for Children and Adolescents (SCICA).

[Antipsychotics and metabolic abnormalities in children and adolescents: a review of the literature and some recommendations].

Background: Adult patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. This is due to their psychiatric illness and to the use of antipsychotic drugs. Children and adolescents are being treated more and more with antipsychotics.

Psychiatric morbidity in children with medically unexplained chronic pain: diagnosis from the pediatrician's perspective.

Context: There is very little general evidence to support the clinical management, particularly diagnosis, of medically unexplained chronic pain (UCP) in children.

Objective: We sought to assess in children with UCP if clinical characteristics held important by general pediatricians help to accurately diagnose psychiatric morbidity and, alternatively, if the same can be achieved using dedicated questionnaires.

Methods: We used a cross-sectional diagnostic study in a pediatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital.

Children with unexplained chronic pain: substantial impairment in everyday life.

Aims: To describe and quantify impairment in an outpatient population of children with chronic pain of unknown origin (UCP).

Methods: A total of 149 children who presented with pain of at least three months' duration and without a satisfactory explanation at presentation were studied. Number of somatic complaints (Children's Somatisation Inventory, CSI), pain intensity (VAS, 0-10 cm), functional disability (Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-CF) and clinical history), and general health perceptions (CHQ) were determined.