Non-Medication Methods to Relieve Adolescents with Somatoform Disorders

Overview

This research aims to investigate the effects of Tai Chi and relaxation techniques on adolescents (12-19 years old) with chronic somatoform disorders. These disorders are characterized by unexplained physical symptoms, such as abdominal pain and headaches, that cannot be linked to any identifiable medical condition. Adolescents with these disorders often experience frequent medical consultations, hospitalizations, and a negative impact on their daily lives, including school attendance, social interactions, and family relationships. Tai Chi, a non-medicinal mind-body practice, has shown promise in reducing chronic pain, stress, and anxiety in both children and adults. Given its non-violent, accessible nature, Tai Chi is an appealing option for adolescents experiencing somatoform symptoms. It is believed that Tai Chi can help alleviate physical pain, manage stress, and improve mood, thus enhancing the adolescents' overall quality of life. The main objective of this study is to quantify the changes in somatoform symptoms, pain levels, medication use, healthcare visits (including emergency consultations), school absenteeism, and the overall quality of life before and after five weeks of Tai Chi sessions. Secondary objectives include evaluating the reduction of anxiety and depression through standardized questionnaires, such as the HAD scale. Additionally, the study will gather qualitative data to assess the motivations, benefits, and barriers to practicing Tai Chi among the adolescents. The research will involve adolescents from the Trousseau Hospital's adolescent medicine unit. Data will be collected prospectively, providing important insights that may pave the way for future randomized controlled trials. This study hopes to offer a new, non-medical approach to managing chronic somatoform disorders and improving the well-being of adolescents affected by them.

This research is designed to evaluate the potential benefits of Tai Chi and relaxation techniques in alleviating symptoms of chronic somatoform disorders in adolescents aged 12-19 years. Somatoform disorders are characterized by the presence of physical symptoms-such as abdominal pain, headaches, or fatigue-that do not have an identifiable organic cause. These disorders are particularly common among adolescents, with at least 10% of this age group experiencing unexplained physical complaints. These symptoms often lead to frequent medical consultations, including emergency visits, hospitalizations, and significant disruptions to the adolescents' daily lives, including their school performance, social relationships, and family dynamics. In addition to the functional impairments caused by these symptoms, chronic somatoform disorders can also be associated with anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the physical complaints. While traditional medical treatments, including medication, are commonly used to manage these symptoms, many adolescents continue to experience persistent issues, revealing the limitations of conventional treatments. As a result, non-medication methods are being increasingly explored to address the psychological and physical aspects of these disorders. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow, deliberate movements with deep breathing and mental focus, has shown promise in reducing chronic pain, improving stress management, and enhancing mental well-being in various populations. In particular, Tai Chi has been used effectively in adults to manage chronic pain and stress, in children to reduce anxiety, and in students to improve overall physical and psychological well-being. Given its non-violent nature and focus on mind-body integration, Tai Chi could offer an engaging and accessible therapeutic option for adolescents. The primary aim of this research is to assess the evolution of somatoform disorders in adolescents before and after a series of Tai Chi sessions. This will be done by evaluating changes in various factors, including somatoform symptoms, pain intensity, medication use, healthcare visits (emergency consultations and hospitalizations), school absenteeism, anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life. The study will provide quantitative data on the effectiveness of Tai Chi in addressing these issues, with the goal of preparing for a future randomized controlled trial to formally assess the intervention's effectiveness. Main Objective: To quantify the changes in somatoform symptoms in adolescents receiving Tai Chi intervention. This objective is primarily descriptive and aims to provide precise, standardized data on the evolution of symptoms before and after the intervention. This data will be essential for planning future trials. Secondary Objectives: Pain Assessment: Changes in pain levels will be measured using a self-reported numerical pain scale (0-10) and by assessing other clinical signs associated with somatoform symptoms. Medication Consumption: Evaluation of changes in the amount and type of medication used by the adolescents for managing pain or related symptoms. Healthcare Utilization: Changes in the number of consultations, emergency visits, and hospitalizations related to somatoform disorders will be tracked. School Absenteeism: The number of school days missed due to somatoform symptoms will be assessed through self-reported questionnaires. Anxiety and Depression: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale will be used to assess changes in anxiety and depression levels before and after the intervention. Quality of Life: The SF-36 questionnaire will be used to evaluate changes in the adolescents' quality of life, focusing on physical and emotional well-being. Qualitative Assessment: A brief qualitative questionnaire will be administered to explore the adolescents' perceptions of Tai Chi, including motivations to participate, benefits, and any barriers to practice. Study Design: The research will involve adolescents from the adolescent medicine unit at Trousseau Hospital. Participants will be recruited during medical consultations, and their consent or parental consent will be obtained. The adolescents will participate in five weekly Tai Chi sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours. The sessions will be led by Dr. Luce Condamine, a pediatrician who is trained and certified in Tai Chi, ensuring that the practice follows the standard protocols for this therapeutic approach. The Tai Chi sessions will be structured to integrate both the physical movements and relaxation techniques, aiming to reduce pain, improve mental health, and foster better body awareness among the participants. Each session will include a combination of gentle movements, deep breathing, and mindful relaxation. Assessment Tools: CSI-24 (Somatization Inventory): The primary evaluation tool will be the CSI-24, which is a self-report scale assessing the severity of somatic symptoms experienced over the previous two weeks. Numerical Pain Scale (0-10): To assess pain intensity. Medication Use (DCI): Medication consumption will be tracked, including dosage and frequency. Healthcare Visits: Number of medical consultations, emergency visits, and hospitalizations will be recorded. School Absenteeism: Number of missed school days will be tracked through self-reports. HAD Scale: This scale measures anxiety and depression, with scores ranging from 0 to 21, categorizing the severity of symptoms. SF-36 Questionnaire: A standardized tool used to measure overall quality of life, including both physical and mental health components. Qualitative Questionnaire: Questions about the adolescents' experiences with Tai Chi and any perceived benefits or challenges will be included. Data Collection and Analysis: Data will be collected before and after the intervention (after the five Tai Chi sessions). The study will provide a prospective evaluation of the changes in the adolescents' symptoms and well-being. These data will be analyzed to identify any significant differences in somatoform symptoms, pain levels, medication use, healthcare visits, school absenteeism, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Ethical Considerations: The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring informed consent is obtained from all participants or their legal guardians. The intervention does not pose any physical or psychological risks, and participation is voluntary. The data collected will be kept confidential and used solely for research purposes. Conclusion: This study aims to explore Tai Chi as a potential non-medication intervention for managing chronic somatoform disorders in adolescents. The results will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of Tai Chi in improving somatoform symptoms, reducing pain, enhancing mental health, and improving overall quality of life. If successful, this approach could offer an accessible, non-invasive treatment option for adolescents struggling with somatoform disorders.