Social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease in children and adults

Rona L Levy, Shelby L Langer, School of Social Work, University of Washington, United States

William E Whitehead, Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United State

Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.

Correspondence to: Rona L Levy, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 354900, 4101 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States. ude.notgnihsaw.u@yvelr

Telephone: +1-206-5435917 Fax: +1-206-5431228

Rona L Levy, Shelby L Langer, School of Social Work, University of Washington, United States

William E Whitehead, Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United State

Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.

Correspondence to: Rona L Levy, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Box 354900, 4101 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States. ude.notgnihsaw.u@yvelr

Telephone: +1-206-5435917 Fax: +1-206-5431228

Received 2007 Mar 13; Revised 2007 Mar 15; Accepted 2007 Mar 23.

Abstract

This paper reviews empirical work on cognitive and social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of illness behavior associated with functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease. A particular emphasis is placed on randomized controlled trials, the majority of which are multi-modal in orientation, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, social learning, and relaxation. Based on this review, we offer methodological and clinical suggestions: (1) Research investigations should include adequate sample sizes, long-term follow-up assessments, and a credible, active control group. (2) Standard gastrointestinal practice should include, when appropriate, learning opportunities for patients and family members, for example, instruction regarding the encouragement of wellness behavior.

Keywords: Functional abdominal pain, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Social learning, Irritable bowel syndrome, Inflammatory bowel disease, Illness behavior

Abstract

SMT: standard medical care with symptom self-monitoring; FU = follow up; Mebeverine: anticholinergic for inhibition of smooth muscle contractions.

Footnotes

Supported in part by NIH grants R01 HD36069-06 awarded to Dr. Levy and R24 067674 awarded to Dr. Whitehead

S- Editor Zhu LH L- Editor Zhu LH E- Editor Liu Y

Footnotes

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