Children at Risk

In a child psychiatric outpatient study, rates ranged from 1.3 to 5%. Somatoform disorders are believed to occur more often in less sophisticated or less educated populations and lower SES groups.

Age

Studies of prepubertal children report an equal ratio in boys and girls, but in post-puberty the female incidence increases.

Gender

In a general population study, somatic complaints were found in 11% of girls, and 4% of boys. Adult studies show .2 - 2% in women and less than .2% in men. Studies of prepubertal children report an equal ratio in boys and girls, but in post-puberty the female incidence increases.