[Therapy of functional abdominal pain in childhood. Concept, acceptance and preliminary results of a short hypnotherapeutic-behavioural intervention]

Abstract

Objective: Recurrent abdominal pain is one of the most frequent pain syndromes in childhood and is accompanied by notable functional impairment and unfavourable long-term outcome. Psychotherapeutic approaches are promising, but not widely used in Germany. The concept of a multimodal short-term intervention and its acceptance are described and preliminary results are reported.

Method: A total of 21 children aged 6-12 years and their parents participated in a hypnotherapeutic-behavioural short intervention program. Preliminary results on efficacy up to 3 months are reported.

Results: Participating children showed a decrease in pain frequency and daily impairment. Health-related quality of life also increased and associated mental problems could be reduced. Content and conditions of the intervention were rated as helpful by children and parents.

Conclusion: Preliminary results indicate that even short psychotherapeutic interventions might help affected children effectively and lower the burden felt by parents. Further investigations using a randomized controlled trial design and focussing on children suffering more severely should follow to allow major conclusions.