Their physical symptoms may lead to further discouragement which, in turn, may make the symptoms worse. Psychological effects Everyday life can become very uncomfortable and stressful for children with these symptoms. They may feel ill a lot of the time and so avoid doing things, particularly those they find difficult. They may then start to avoid other activities too, even ones they enjoy. They become bored and frustrated, making it more difficult for them to think positively and to distract themselves from their symptoms.
Unexplained symptoms can also be very worrying for parents.
Not knowing what the problem is, together with continuing medical investigations, can easily lead to the family paying too much attention to the symptoms. In a curious way, this means that the child is being rewarded for having symptoms the attention can actually maintain unexplained physical symptoms, rather than make them better. Effects on life style and relationships Most children with unexplained physical symptoms learn to cope. But some children become quite handicapped. They will see less of their friends this means fewer interests, hobbies and fun.