A systematic cognitive behavioral therapy approach for pediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction, 2024, Chancey et al

Abstract

Objective
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for youth with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) is effective; however, there are calls in the field to strengthen the evidence base and identify specific mechanisms of treatment that yield the most benefit for this patient population. A unique, systematic treatment approach of CBT with initial evidence for success for pediatric patients with DGBIs was evaluated to further demonstrate its clinical utility in this population.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of 42 pediatric patients aged 11–17 years with DGBIs, who were diagnosed and referred for CBT by pediatric gastroenterology providers. Providers also completed a survey rating acceptability and effectiveness of CBT. The systematic CBT approach included 10 sessions delivered by a psychologist at an integrated Pediatric GI Clinic.

Results
Review of 42 pediatric charts showed significant decreases in self-reported functional disability, abdominal pain, as well as depression and anxiety symptoms pre- to post-CBT completion. A moderation effect was observed where patients reporting higher levels of depressive symptoms and primary symptom of abdominal pain reported smaller reductions in functional impairment compared to those with lower levels of depression and primary symptom of nausea or vomiting. Pediatric Gastroenterology providers were satisfied with this psychological treatment approach.

Conclusions
This study provides evidence for acceptability and effectiveness of implementation of a systematic CBT approach for pediatric DGBIs in an integrated GI clinic, as well as areas worthy of future research, including identifying the most important mechanisms of treatment and factors that influence treatment response.

Paywall, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nmo.14883

 

"CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Sara E. Williams and Nicole E. Zahka are authors of the text “Treating Somatic Symptoms in Children and Adolescents” and receive relayed royalties, though did not participate in the intervention delivery, data collection or analysis, or results of the study."

 

Starting with a lie sure is a choice. A choice accepted by editors of academic journals.

Then they badly need to raise their standards because this is pathetic. This damn obsession with this CBT stuff has reached completely ridiculous levels.

 

That sentence in the abstract is too long...A moderation effect..I can't read the paper so what does this mean? a moderate effect? it moderates?

OK Google tells me it is a term in statistics and regression analysis, moderation (also known as effect modification) occurs when the relationship between two variables depends on a third variable. The third variable is referred to as the moderator variable (or effect modifier) or simply the moderator (or modifier).

But still in the dark of which is which in this study. Not that I am overly interested to be more informed on this

No doubt the psychologist knows. CBT coming to a flash new Integrated DGBI clinic near you....

I note it did not survey the effectiveness and acceptability to the child and it's carer only to the Pediatric Gastroenterologist. Go figure.