Consultant pediatricians typically reach a diagnosis and advise treatment after interviewing parents and examining a child. There are patients who present with nonspecific symptoms suggestive of a psychosomatic disorder, for whom a more complete assessment may allow a more accurate diagnosis and lead to more appropriate recommendations. In the process considerable symptomatic relief may ensue. Three case reports are described with which such an extended assessment has been used to advantage. The principles employed may be generalized to pediatric practice as evidenced by their success with other similarly affected patients.