Читать книгу Introduction to Abnormal Child and Adolescent Psychology - Robert Weis - Страница 153

Fourteen-year-old Sara was referred to our clinic by her pediatrician because of chronic problems with her physical health. Since the beginning of the academic year, Sara has complained of recurrent headaches, stomachaches, and nausea that have interfered with her ability to attend school. Sara experiences symptoms when she wakes in the morning, she begs her mother to allow her to stay home, and then she appears better by midday. Sara’s pediatrician determined that there was nothing physically wrong with her and suggested that she be assessed by a psychologist to determine the source of her complaints.

“Last week was the breaking point,” exclaimed her mother. “My husband needed to attend an appointment, and I was already late for work when Sara again reported being sick. She begged to stay home and when I refused, she had a tantrum like a 2-year-old.”

Sara’s absences have begun to interfere with her academic performance. “She’s missed a lot of school and is falling behind her classmates in math,” reported her teacher. “She’s such a sweet, caring girl. I really hope that we can find out how to help her.”

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