- Why Does My 14 Year Old Get Sick Going To School?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I feel that this is what we are dealing with: Our 14 y/o girl, who has very frequent stomach aches, cries, moans, begs not to go to school, often says “I almost called you to come pick me up,” – and then feels better on weekends.
We’re going crazy! Treatment suggestions appreciated!!!!
ANSWER:
There may be a medical problem going on, or there may be a situation in school that she’s afraid of. Examples would include threats from other students, problems with teacher(s), peer pressure – especially to use druge (1/3 of middle schoolers sniff inhalants), inability to keep up with school work, or ridicule from her peers. She needs to see a therapist. The two most likely medically treatable diagnoses include panic disorder and social phobia. She could easily have attention deficit disorder causing this problem – particularly if the generalized anxiety disorder is also present.
