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).

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: do pediatricians agree regarding the diagnostic approach and presumed primary cause?

Objective: To investigate the opinions of general pediatricians regarding children with unexplained chronic pain (UCP), with respect to the presumed cause of the pain and the optimal diagnostic approach for these children.

Design: Diagnostic follow-up study.

Setting: Outpatient clinic of a university children's hospital.