At Children's Health℠, we tend to each child’s physical, mental and emotional health. That’s why we’re home to a team of psychologists who have special training in supporting children experiencing abdominal pain and GI problems. We help children and teens understand why they're having pain and other symptoms, which teaches them skills to manage and overcome that pain. Learning skills and tools from psychologists can even help relieve pain without medication.
Overview
What are GI Psychology Services for Patients with Abdominal Pain?
There is a strong link between our guts and our emotions, especially in children. Many chemicals in the gut that help with digestion can also play a role in our mood and how we feel. That means that when a child feels stressed, excited or anxious, this can lead to or worsen stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Our GI psychology team teaches children and teens strategies to regulate their thoughts and emotions to better manage their pain and symptoms. We support children of all ages experiencing all types of GI problems. We tailor treatment to each child’s unique needs, helping them cope with all types of circumstances, including:
Managing ongoing stomach pain in children who don’t have an underlying disease or damage
Helping children understand why they’re experiencing pain or other symptoms and what they can do about it
Navigating both a GI disorder and a mental disorder like anxiety or depression
Being hospitalized for GI conditions
Learning they have a chronic illness like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
Benefits
What are the benefits of GI Psychology Services for Patients with Abdominal Pain?
The many benefits of this treatment include:
Improving physical symptoms without medication. This is especially beneficial because medications for abdominal pain could lead to or worsen other GI symptoms, like constipation.
Learning skills and tools to manage pain can help children better navigate painful experiences without possible side effects of medication.
Teaching important skills that can help children cope with stress or difficulties related to abdominal pain and any other aspect of their lives.
What to Expect
What can I expect with Pediatric Psychological Services for Patients with Abdominal Pain?
First, you and your child will have an hour-long visit with our GI psychology team and learn about the program. By getting to know your family and your needs, our providers can better understand the challenges your child is facing.
Next, we’ll meet with your child every other week for 5-8 sessions where we’ll teach them a toolkit of skills to manage their abdominal pain. Our team may give your child skills to practice at home between sessions.
After their 5-8 sessions, your child can continue to check in with our team as needed or on a semi-regular basis. Our care team is here to support your child in any way they can and give them the skills they need to manage their pain.
Our team also supports children and teenagers who are hospitalized for a GI problem. Our GI psychologists can visit them during their hospital stay and help them cope with being in the hospital and the treatments they’re having.