Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0487
ISSN: 2161-0487
Barbare Devdariani
Grigol Robakidze University, Tbilisi, Georgia
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Psychol Psychother
Somatoform disorders, characterized by physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation, can have a significant impact on the well-being and functioning of children and adolescents. Recent studies have shown an increasing prevalence of these disorders in younger populations, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies. Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has emerged as a promising intervention. CBT effectively addresses the cognitive and behavioral factors. A major study examining 100 children aged 2 to 18 with various somatoform disorders revealed significant insights into their clinical characteristics. Participants from both urban and rural Georgia presented with diverse behavioral and emotional issues, including sleep disturbances, speech disorders, and mixed emotional abnormalities. Neuropsychological tests indicated deficits in fine motor skills and impulse control. These findings were further confirmed through verbal and nonverbal cognitive assessments, which showed challenges in rhythm imitation and visual analysis. Despite these difficulties, auditory and visual gnosis were generally within normal limits. The "Incomplete Sentences" technique provided additional insights into the emotional and cognitive dimensions of these disorders, revealing strained relationships with parents and teachers, as well as pervasive feelings of shame and fear. These emotional responses often stemmed from fears of retribution, abandonment, and unmet emotional needs. The study classified somatoform disorders into the following clinical features: tic hyperkinesis (14), speech disorders (24), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (7), mixed behavioral and emotional disorders (38), sleep disorders (34), day and night enuresis (8), screen addiction syndrome (14), and chronic somatoform autonomic and vegetative dysfunction.
Barbare Devdariani is a student at Grigol Robakidze University School of Medicine. She has co-authored a paper published in the "Deutsche Internationale Zeitschrift" online about Somatoform Disorders, alongside Maria Khundadze and others. Barbare won the University Contest on "The Current Challenges in Modern Science" with her insightful work. Her paper, titled "Artificial Intelligence and Medicine," is set to be published in the university's academic journal. Barbare's research interests bridge the field’s healthcare