Children's Hospital Colorado

Intersection Between Physical and Mental Health (S6:E20)

Many people view mental and physical health as two separate and unrelated issues. However, there are many intersections between the two. For example, it is not uncommon for children and adolescents to develop and experience emotions as physical symptoms. Children who experience somatic symptoms and related disorders, or SSRDs, account for 10% to 15% of medical visits to primary care providers.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss the connection between physical and mental health

In this episode, Lauren Wood, PhD, and Beau Carubia, MD, join us for a conversation on the connections between physical and mental health and how healthcare professionals can better understand, diagnose and treat pediatric patients in the medical home.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

  • Most common somatic symptoms, including neurological complaints
  • How to identify somatic symptoms
  • Approaching patients with a biopsychosocial framework
  • Gaining the trust of patients and their families
  • Treatment for somatic symptoms from a behavioral health perspective

Pediatric mental health at Children’s Hospital Colorado

The Pediatric Mental Health Institute at Children's Colorado provides the highest quality mental health services to children, adolescents and their families. We strive to deliver evidence-based, family-focused and youth-centered services that make a difference.

Refer a patient to Children’s Colorado.