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Abstract
Functional abdominal pain syndrome belongs to a group of challenging conditions causing severe disabling symptoms without demonstrable objective abnormalities. An effective doctor–patient relationship is absolutely necessary and often sufficient to manage these cases.
Key Points
- Functional abdominal pain syndrome is a severe disabling condition often associated with complex psychosocial factors.
- Patients should be assessed in a nonjudgemental manner and their symptoms appropriately acknowledged.
- Investigation results are normal and patients must be reassured that all serious differentials have been excluded.
- Treatment goals are to establish realistic expectations for symptom control and to encourage self-determination.
- An effective doctor–patient relationship is central to managing these cases.
