(Zuza Avelino/)
According to four experts consulted by ME, yes. The disease, in fact, would be psychosomatic symptoms, that is, physical responses triggered by psychological issues. These symptoms – fever, headache, nausea, etc. – are chemical reactions caused by the “emotional brain”, composed of hypothalamus, amygdala and hippocampus. But what can also happen is the child forging some symptoms to make the parents give in. Neuropsychology specialist Carolina Veras points out that it is necessary to teach children to deal with frustrations. “Often parents give in when they should be imposing limits. This attitude reinforces the problem,” she says. If the psychosomatic effects are prolonged, it is necessary to seek a psychologist. They can trigger depression and a tendency towards isolation.
TdF suggested – Maria Eduarda
CONSULTANCY Belisa Brisola Prado, psychologist and specialist in child neuropsychology; Augusto Jimenez, psychologist and CEO of Minds Idiomas; Rafael Lutero, professor of pedagogy at the Eniac University Center; Lorena Sotopietra Nolasco, educational psychologist; and Carolina Veras, psychologist specialist in neuropsychology and cognitive-behavioral therapy