Name
H04 - Behavioral Strategies for Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Chronic Digestive Conditions
Date & Time
Friday, October 9, 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location Name
Mills 3 (4th Floor)
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
Describe the brain-gut axis and the bidirectional relationship between psychological processes and gut functioning
List and define evidence-based behavioral interventions and therapy models for treating digestive symptoms and conditions
Discuss common mental health comorbidities experienced by patients with digestive conditions and how these comorbidities impact treatment goals and processes.

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

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

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

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

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