SSRIs for adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms

• Published in: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde Vol. 160; p. A9380
• Main Authors: van Bronswijk, Suzanne C, Lionarons, Judith M, Stupp, Antonia, Schieveld, Jan N M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Dutch
• Published: Netherlands 2016
• Subjects: Adolescent; Cognitive Therapy; Female; Humans; Prevalence; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Somatoform Disorders - diagnosis; Somatoform Disorders - drug therapy; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0028-2162; 1876-8784

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are somatic symptoms without a clear physical cause. MUS are highly prevalent amongst adolescents and result in overconsumption of healthcare and functional impairment. Current treatment options are limited and failing treatment results in high societal costs.
We report the cases of two fifteen-year-old girls who were referred to us with an extensive history of MUS and affective symptoms resulting in general functional impairment and frequent visits to specialists. Previous treatments had been unsuccessful. Both adolescents were given selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) solution which resulted in impressive improvement of general functioning. At four to five months of follow-up these improvements had remained consistent.
MUS can have extremely negative effects on adolescents, their support system and society. SSRIs may be a successful treatment option, but more research in adolescents is needed.