Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Psychology and mental health

Managing functional abdominal pain syndrome: not just a pain in the guts

Hooi C Ee
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.
Get full access
Subscribe for full access to all articles
Buy this article

Single article purchases are temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance.

If you would like to purchase an article during this time, please email us at [email protected] with the article details and we'll assist you directly. We'll also let you know when online purchasing is available again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Already a subscriber?