Schoolverzuim als signaal van psychosociale problemen

School absenteeism occurs frequently. For employees of schools, it can be difficult to determine whether absence is permissible or not. Sometimes the underlying cause is not medical but psychological.

Case description

We present two patients with frequent school absences. Patient A is a 12-year-old boy, diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder. When his mother visits the youth community health doctor, he shows signs of an anxiety disorder with stress-related physical symptoms. Patient B is a 15-year-old boy whose teacher suspects a gaming and internet addiction. After consulting the youth community health doctor, he is referred to a psychologist for further diagnosis of a social anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

Frequent school absenteeism is associated with psychological problems. After excluding physical causes referral for further psychiatric assessment is recommended. As the medical advisor of the school, the youth community health doctor can play a role in this process.

Conflict of interest: none declared. Financial support: none declared.