Medicine, Mind and Adolescence 2001, XVI, 1-2
A NEW MELODY
Lorena Azzi1
Lorena Azzi1
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Abstract
Treating young people suffering from cephalea often also means meeting parents who combine the worries they have of their children with their own existential anxiety. The possibility that their child might be seriously ill is a recurring threat to them. Meetings held with such parents are often individual ones, aimed at helping them restore their serenity.
We should define Federica’s family as an agreeable and benevolent one composed of both natural parents and their two wonderful children who fully gratify them. Both are very diligent and unusual young people, unaccustomed to TV watching, unlike many of their peers, as they have no time to sit in front of its screen.
Federica, the 12 year-old, is a tiny and dainty pre-teen wearing an almost childish, ridiculous dress chosen by her mother. She appears sad, and with bowed head is visibly a suffering child whose gaze reluctantly meets with mine.
She has a weary gait about her and crouches on the chair. Lately, while in school, she’s been suffering serious headaches, and spends time in its infirmary.
Further episodes of Federica’s condition have prompted teachers to urge her parents to seek a specialist’s advice.
Key Words: family, life style, headache.
1. Correspondence to: Dr.ssa Lorena Azzi, Via Roma 86, 20033 Desio (Mi), Italy. E-mail: lorenaazzi@tiscalinet.it
