Functional abdominal pain disorders in children: therapeutic strategies focusing on hypnotherapy

Functional abdominal pain disorders are common pediatric disorders, which can significantly impact the child and his/her family. Treatment of these children is hampered, because of the incomplete understanding of underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. This thesis focusses on the clinical and psychological characteristics of children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (syndrome) (FAP(S)) and their parents. Additionally, it describes pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments available for these children, with a focus on gut-directed hypnotherapy.