Functional Abdominal Pain: “Get” the Function, Loose the Pain

Abstract

Functional abdominal pain is a mind–body, psychosocial, and self-reinforcing experience with significant consequences for the sufferer and the surrounding support network. The occurrence of unpredictable symptoms and their severity add an element of dread and feeling out-of-control to daily life and often reduce overall functioning in a downward spiral. Two clinical presentations of functional abdominal pain are offered in this article (composites to protect confidentiality) dealing with abdominal pain syndrome and abdominal migraines. The treatment demonstrates the use of hypnotic principles for self-regulation, exploration, and meaning-making. Hypnosis treatment is conducted in combination with mindfulness-based interventions and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) teachings regarding abdominal health and illness. The clinical examples illustrate medical findings that suggest children with early life stress and an early onset of gastrointestinal somatization may not simply outgrow their functional abdominal pain but may suffer into adulthood.

Keywords:

• autonomic hyperarousal
• early relational trauma
• functional abdominal pain
• hypnosis
• meditation practices
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Maximilian Muenke, M.D., Licensed Medical Acupuncturist, for fact-checking all information in this article pertaining to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and for making available Figure 1. I would also like to thank Julie Linden, Ph.D., for encouraging me to submit this manuscript, and for guiding me through the process.