Clinical practice guidelines for the management of somatoform disorders in children and adolescents

Mind–body dualism has traditionally existed in the way doctors understand medical problems. [...]when presented with disorders that are not properly understood because they do not conform to this dualism, physicians feel that it must be something to do with the mind (functional/psychogenic) and hence refer the patient to a psychiatrist. In severe cases, symptoms are unlikely to resolve completely and even if they do, they are likely to keep relapsing. [...]the goals may have to be revised regularly and kept realistic. [...]the family may perceive reduction in secondary gain as neglect of the child. [...]initially, the family may not have full confidence in the hospital's ability to take total care of their child.