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Handbook of Pediatric Behavioral Healthcare pp 155–169Cite as

Internalizing Disorders

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Abstract

Internalizing symptoms are a collection of feelings, behaviors, and physiological responses associated with a host of conditions that include anxiety disorders (generalized, separation, social), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and other somatic conditions. These symptoms are highly prevalent in childhood and adolescence and have been associated with a host of negative outcomes across domains of functioning. As these symptoms are often expressed internally, identification poses a unique challenge for clinicians. In the absence of prevention or intervention efforts, internalizing symptoms can be exacerbated and lead to functional impairment that can persist into adulthood. This chapter underscores the importance of understanding and addressing internalizing symptoms in youth from an integrated behavioral health perspective. The first section of this chapter addresses the prevalence and etiology of internalizing symptoms and disorders. The second section focuses on identification, prevention, and treatment. The final section provides a case example and strategies for integrated behavioral health specific to internalizing conditions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, School Psychology Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Sara S. Frye & Michelle M. Perfect

  2. School of Special Education, School Psychology, and Early Childhood Studies, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    Joseph W. Graham

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  1. Sara S. Frye
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  2. Michelle M. Perfect
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  3. Joseph W. Graham
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Correspondence to Sara S. Frye .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of School Psychology, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    Susan G. Forman

  2. Department of School Psychology, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    Jeffrey D. Shahidullah

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Frye, S.S., Perfect, M.M., Graham, J.W. (2018). Internalizing Disorders. In: Forman, S., Shahidullah, J. (eds) Handbook of Pediatric Behavioral Healthcare. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00791-1_12

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