• Carrie Masia Warner, Laura C Reigada, Paige H Fisher, Amy L Saborsky, and Keith J Benkov.
• Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Child Study Center, NYU Langone Medical Center, 215 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA. carrie.masia@nyumc.org
• J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2009 Jun 1; 16 (2): 169-77.

ObjectiveTo examine the initial feasibility and potential efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for youth with anxiety disorders and non-medical somatic symptoms.BackgroundBased on a strong relationship between somatic complaints and anxiety disorders, screening youngsters seeking medical care due to physical symptoms with no organic basis may enhance the recognition of anxiety disorders and facilitate access to appropriate services.MethodSeven boys and girls, ages 8 through 15, with medically unexplained gastrointestinal complaints and anxiety disorders received a 12-session cognitive-behavioral intervention targeting anxiety and physical symptoms. Assessments were conducted at baseline and following treatment.ResultsAll participants were classified as treatment responders. Three of the seven participants no longer met diagnostic criteria for their principal anxiety disorder. Children's physical discomfort decreased from a moderate to minimal level based on self- and parent-reports.ConclusionsOur modified cognitive-behavioral approach has promise for reducing anxiety and somatic symptoms in children seeking medical care.

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