Implementing psychological therapies for functional GI disorders in children and adults

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Functional GI disorders (FGIDs) are common in adults and children. Psychological factors play an important role in the onset and maintenance of FGIDs and in explaining the associated disability. Psychological treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Hypnotherapy have been found efficacious in FGIDs but Integrating psychological treatments into traditionally medically-oriented care can be challenging.

Areas covered: This review outlines the case for integrating psychological therapies into medical care for FGIDs and examine various models of integrated care that can be adapted to fit specific practice scenarios.

Expert commentary: We advise integrating a psychologist in the care and treatment planning of every patient. Clinic-specific needs dictate how integrated care for patients with FGIDs can be delivered.

KEYWORDS:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• irritable bowel syndrome
• integrated care
• psychological aspects
• cognitive behavioral therapy
• hypnotherapy
• functional abdominal pain
• functional dyspepsia
• constipation
• cyclic vomiting syndrome

Declaration of interest

M van Tilburg declares research support from Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.