Cognitive-behavioural treatment of recurrent abdominal pain in children: A primer for paediatricians

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common childhood complaint for which pharmacological and dietary interventions have yielded mixed results. There is good evidence in support of psychological interventions, primarily cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), in treating RAP in children. The purpose of CBT is to facilitate effective coping in children and their parents and to alter environmental factors that may serve to reinforce pain behaviour in children. Unfortunately, many paediatricians are unaware of the value and role of cognitive-behavioural approaches in assisting children with RAP. This current review summarizes the data in support of CBT for RAP, describes common elements of a CBT program for RAP, and provides practical recommendations for paediatricians in their management of these patients.