Therapeutical application of body perception in pediatrics: From unspecific relaxation therapy to the training of disease-specific symptom perception

Focussing on processes of body perception is a major pathway of relaxation therapies (progressive relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery, hypn otherapy, biofeedback). Traditionally its application has been related to p sychosomatic and psychotherapeutic indications. Beyond this classical appro ach, recent behavioral medicine has emphasized the relevance of interocepti on processes and adequate attribution patterns concerning bodily sensations as a major source of adequate coping and self-management with somatic illn ess. Clinical application may refer to an improved cognitive-behavioral pai n management in disease and treatment related conditions. Especially childr en and adolescents suffering from chronic conditions that may exacerbate ra pidly may benefit from an education approach that teaches them to perceive their disease-related complaints and symptoms accurately and to attribute t hem correctly. A precise, panic-free and immediate symptom recognition of sudden airway ob struction is an important precondition of adequate coping with acute asthma crisis and starting risk orientated antiasthmatic treatment. In a similar way, the child with diabetes mellitus may identify early signs of hypoglyce mia by self-observation, recognition and discrimination of physical, vegeta tive and psychological indicators of blood glucose decline that enable the child to take appropriate countermeasures. Other childhood disorders that o ffer chances for symptomatic self-monitoring and self-control comprise atop ic dermatitis or epileptic seizures. Training young patients in precise sym ptom recognition may not only empower them in handling acute crisis but als o strengthen global development of autonomy, control beliefs, self-responsi bility and self-esteem.