Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Children With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Exposure-Based CBT for Children With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders - Development of a Protocol

The purpose of the trial is to develop a treatment protocol to be used in trials studying internet-delivered CBT for children with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). The study size is not based on power calculations but the estimated sample necessary to develop a treatment protocol. This study will include 20-30 children with FGID and their parents who will be treated individually (face-to-face). The treatment consists of 10 weekly sessions of exposure-based CBT. The study uses a pre- post-design with no control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 8-12 years
• A diagnosis of a functional gastrointestinal disorder by a treating physician

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent serious medical condition or gastrointestinal symptoms likely caused by an organic disorder.
• Psychiatric disorder more urgent to treat than the abdominal pain.
• On-going psychological treatment.
• Absence from school more than 40 %.
• Ongoing maltreatment, violence or severe parental psychiatric illness.
• Pronounced language or learning difficulties that hinder the child to benefit from the treatment.