Name
Behavioral Strategies for Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Chronic Digestive Conditions
Description

This presentation aims to prepare clinicians with practical assessment and intervention tools for supporting patients with digestive conditions. We will unpack the role of the brain-gut axis and review current evidence-based behavioral strategies for improving management of GI symptoms and addressing common comorbid mental health concerns. This presentation is designed for healthcare providers working in either primary care or specialty care settings who are likely to see patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Speakers
Rosemary Hale, PsyD
Content Level
Intermediate
Tags
Behavioral Medicine Topics such as insomnia or medication adherence, Co-morbidity, Self-care/Self-management
Session Type
Concurrent
Objective 1
Describe the brain-gut axis and the bidirectional relationship between psychological processes and gut functioning
Objective 2
List and define evidence-based behavioral interventions and therapy models for treating digestive symptoms and conditions
Objective 3
Discuss common mental health comorbidities experienced by patients with digestive conditions and how these comorbidities impact treatment goals and processes.
Content Reference 1

Knowles, S. R., Keefer, L., & Mikocka-Walus, A. A. (Eds.). (2019). Psychogastroenterology for adults: A handbook for mental health professionals. Routledge.

Content Reference 2

Hunt, M. G. (2024). CBT for patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A treatment manual. Routledge.

Content Reference 3

Bedell, A., & Keefer, L. (2021). Cognitive behavioral therapy for IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Content Reference 4

Liang, S., Wu, X., Jin, F. (2018). Gut-Brain Psychology: Rethinking psychology From the microbiota–gut–brain axis. Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, 12, 33.

Content Reference 5

Palsson, O., & Whitehead, W. E. (2013). Psychological treatments in functional gastrointestinal disorders: A primer for the gastroenterologist. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 11, 208-216.