Efficacy of Audio Recorded Guided Imagery vs Deep Breathing Exercises on Functional Gastrointestinal Pain Disorders

Overview

The purpose of this study is to: 1. Determine if audio recorded guided imagery vs deep breathing exercises delivered via a digital media player improves abdominal pain symptoms in children with functional gastrointestinal pain disorders managed in the primary care setting. 2. Determine if audio recorded guided imagery and deep breathing exercises delivered via a digital media player improves psychosocial distress in children affected by functional gastrointestinal pain disorders managed in the primary care setting. The possibility of treating functional gastrointestinal pain disorders using remotely delivered psychosocial therapies has the potential to treat many children affected by functional gastrointestinal pain disorders in a cost-effective manner. This study will provide insight into how well these patients in the primary care could benefit from such interventions.

Children managed in primary care with a functional gastrointestinal pain disorder will be recruited and studied for this trial. After participants are deemed eligible, they will complete multiple questionnaires and then be randomly assigned (like a flip of a coin) to either guided imagery or deep breathing exercises delivered via a digital media player. Participants will be instructed to listen to the tracks at least 5 days per week for an 8 week intervention period. At week 3 of the intervention period, the participant will complete another 2 week pain and stool diary. At week 7 of the intervention period, the participant will complete another 2 week pain and stool dairy. After this diary is completed, the participant will again complete multiple questionnaires for their final visit.