[Somatization and somatoform disorders in children and adolescents].

The diagnosis of a somatoform disorder involves a continuum that ranges from common aches and pains to disabling functional symptoms. The currently available diagnostic classification systems can't easily be applied to children and adolescents. Whenever somatization is suspected, the clinician needs sufficient time to examine the child and to find out about his/her whole life situation. It is essential for the clinician to convey understanding that the patient's pain is real and involves neural nociceptive and affective components, both processed by the central nervous system, and influenced by the individual's past experiences, genetic background and environment.