Use urgent help for immediate danger
Do not wait for ordinary guidance if a young person may harm themselves or others, is being abused or cannot stay safe.
What caregivers can do first
- Record timing, severity, associated signs and effects on eating or school
- Let a paediatric or other qualified medical professional decide whether tests are needed
- Explore learning, peer, bullying and school-environment factors without saying the symptoms are fake or merely anxiety
Risk signals
- Severe, localised or worsening pain, persistent vomiting, green or bloody vomit, or blood in stool needs prompt medical assessment
- Inability to drink, markedly reduced urination, fainting, altered awareness, severe weakness, unintentional weight loss or persistent fever needs medical care
- Bullying, abuse, sexual harm, self-harm or other safety concerns needs a protection pathway