Il bambino che non ha niente, ovvero della paura di avere qualcosa

Moving from a description of a variety of “no disease” syndromes, all frequently encountered in the paediatric practice, the Author provides an overview of the neuropsychology and physiology of fear, and suggests to incorporate this knowledge to provide a more sensible approach to the management of these complaints based on appropriate counseling. Once ruled out with appropriate investigations any organic disease, the approach should include allowing parents to express their fears, accepting the parents’ worries, providing rational explanations and finally reinforcing self-esteem. Paediatricians are recommended to build parents’self-esteem self-confidence and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of fear also as a preventive strategy.