Functional abdominal pain in children: new understanding, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches

Pediatr Ann. 2009 May;38(5):241-2.

Abstract

From the array of articles, one can readily see the clinical and scientific progress made in symptom-based diagnosis and management of functional abdominal pain disorders over the past 5 years. We have provided a series of useful tools to approach these patients. We have provided the symptom-based diagnostic criteria plus the red flags to help you avoid missing an organic diagnosis. We have placed these disorders squarely within the complex biopsychosocial framework by identifying early life stress and many environmental factors that are key factors in the development of pain. We have identified the role of psychological comorbidities of anxiety and depression and the need to address them directly in order to rehabilitate a disabled child. Finally, pharmacologic, psychological, dietary, and complementary approaches are reviewed and recommended as empiric therapy in functional abdominal pain, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Use these new tools well.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Introductory Journal Article

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain / diagnosis*
  • Abdominal Pain / epidemiology
  • Abdominal Pain / rehabilitation*
  • Anxiety, Separation / diagnosis
  • Anxiety, Separation / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Comorbidity
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dyspepsia / diagnosis
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / diagnosis
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Psychological
  • Pediatrics / methods
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Recurrence
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology