Education and Hypnosis for Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) in Pediatrics

Sleep Disorders and Chronic Pain Syndromes in the Pediatric Population

Sleep problems are widespread in children and adolescents suffering from chronic pain disorders. Sleep loss intensifies the experience of pain and is detrimental to the budding self-efficacy of a young individual with limitless horizons. Addressing sleep disorders may prevent the chronification of pain and prevent adverse health outcomes, such as functional impairment, psychiatric comorbidities and overall poor quality of life. This review will explore the cyclical nature between sleep, pain and mood, as well as the functional impact of this relationship on children and adolescents. There will be a discussion about sleep assessment and diagnostic testing, followed by a description of sleep disturbances found in specific pain conditions, ranging from headache, musculoskeletal/abdominal pain, to rheumatologic disorders. Finally, there will be a brief review of pharmacologic and behavioral interventions designed to improve sleep quality, and when possible, to alleviate pain.

The Belgian consensus on irritable bowel syndrome: the paediatric gastroenterologist view

The Belgian consensus on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults published in this issue offered us, as Belgian paediatric gastroenterologists, an opportunity to underline the differences in approach between adults and children and adolescents with IBS. Prevalence of IBS in childhood is reported between 1.2 and 5.4 %. A more recent article communicates a worldwide pooled prevalence of 13.8% (1,2). Bias exists since not all studies differentiate between the different Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders (FAPDs) (IBS, functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraine and functional abdominal pain not otherwise specified) or apply the same ROME criteria (II, III, IV) (Table 1) (2).

Pediatric Integrative Medicine in Academia: Stanford Children's Experience

Pediatric integrative medicine is an emerging field which, to date, has not been described in detail in academic medical centers in the United States. Early research of pediatric integrative medicine modalities shows promise for the treatment of common pediatric conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, acute and chronic pain, headache, and allergy, among others. In light of the growing prevalence of pediatric illnesses and patient complexity, it is crucial to emphasize the patient's overall well-being. As academic centers around the world start to develop pediatric integrative medicine programs, the aim of this manuscript is to briefly highlight evidence of effective integrative treatments in pediatric subspecialties, to describe the establishment of our integrative medicine program, to summarize its early efforts, and to discuss potential barriers and keys to success.

Pediatric irritable bowel syndrome and other functional abdominal pain disorders: an update of non-pharmacological treatments

Functional abdominal pain disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, are common in children and treatment can often be difficult. Pharmacological therapies and complementary treatments are widely used, despite the limited data in pediatrics. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the available data for the use of diet, probiotics, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and psychosocial interventions, including hypnotherapy, yoga, cognitive and behavioral therapy, and mind-body interventions for the treatment of functional abdominal pain disorders in children. The literature review included a PubMed search by each therapy, children, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. Relevant articles to this review are discussed. Expert commentary: The decision on the use of pharmacological and complementary therapies should be based on clinical findings, evidence, availability, and in-depth discussion with the patient and family. The physician should provide education on the different interventions and their role on the treatment in an empathetic and warm manner providing ample time for the family to ask questions.

A Pragmatic Guide to the Setting up of Integrated Hypnotherapy Services in Primary Care and Clinical Settings

Despite the continued debate and lack of a clear consensus about the true nature of the hypnotic phenomenon, hypnosis is increasingly being utilized successfully in many medical, health, and psychological spheres as a research method, motivational tool, and therapeutic modality. Significantly, however, although hypnotherapy is widely advertised, advocated, and employed in the private medical arena for the management and treatment of many physical and emotional disorders, too little appears to be being done to integrate hypnosis into primary care and national health medical services. This article discusses some of the reasons for the apparent reluctance of medical and scientific health professionals to consider incorporating hypnosis into their medical practice, including the practical problems inherent in using hypnosis in a medical context and some possible solutions.