• M D Gulewitsch, J S Schauer, M Hautzinger, and A A Schlarb.
• Fachbereich Psychologie, Arbeitsbereich Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Universität Tübingen, Schleichstr. 4, 72076 Tübingen, Deutschland.
• Schmerz. 2012 Apr 1;26(2):160-7.

ObjectiveRecurrent abdominal pain is one of the most frequent pain syndromes in childhood and is accompanied by notable functional impairment and unfavourable long-term outcome. Psychotherapeutic approaches are promising, but not widely used in Germany. The concept of a multimodal short-term intervention and its acceptance are described and preliminary results are reported.MethodA total of 21 children aged 6-12 years and their parents participated in a hypnotherapeutic-behavioural short intervention program. Preliminary results on efficacy up to 3 months are reported.ResultsParticipating children showed a decrease in pain frequency and daily impairment. Health-related quality of life also increased and associated mental problems could be reduced. Content and conditions of the intervention were rated as helpful by children and parents.ConclusionPreliminary results indicate that even short psychotherapeutic interventions might help affected children effectively and lower the burden felt by parents. Further investigations using a randomized controlled trial design and focussing on children suffering more severely should follow to allow major conclusions.

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