Empirically supported treatments in pediatric psychology: recurrent abdominal pain

Operant procedures did not meet even the most lenient category (promising intervention) of the guidelines, and fiber treatment for RAP associated with constipation met the criteria for a promising intervention.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To review the status of empirically supported treatments for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). METHODS: We identified studies based on literature search and contact with experts in the field and evaluated studies based on guidelines modified from the criteria established by the Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. RESULTS: Nine published intervention studies were identified that fell into three distinctive approaches: operant procedures, fiber treatments, and cognitive-behavioral treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Operant procedures did not meet even the most lenient category (promising intervention) of the guidelines. Fiber treatment for RAP associated with constipation met the criteria for a promising intervention. Cognitive-behavioral treatment met the criteria for a probably efficacious intervention. We discuss implications and offer recommendations for future intervention research.