Objectives (Educational Content) :
1. Distinguish the risk factors for development of disorders of gut-brain interaction.
2. Recognize the role of stress and anxiety in the development of disorders of gut-brain interaction.
3. Become familiar with the interventions that can be implemented to prevent the development of disorders of gut-brain interaction.
Target Audience:
General pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, social workers, psychologists, and nurses.
Identified Gap:
Healthcare professionals often lack sufficient competence and consistency in identifying patients at risk for disorders of gut–brain interaction, particularly in recognizing the influence of stress and anxiety on disease development and progression. In routine practice, psychosocial and environmental risk factors are underassessed, and evidence-based preventive interventions are not systematically incorporated, leading to delayed recognition, reactive management, and suboptimal patient outcomes. Addressing this gap requires improving clinician understanding of gut–brain mechanisms, risk stratification, and practical preventive strategies to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life for affected patients.
Estimated Time to Complete the Educational Activity:
1 hour(s)
Expiration Date for CE/CME Credit:
04-16-2027
Method of Participation in the Learning Process:
The learner will view the presentation, successfully complete a post-test and complete an activity evaluation.
Evaluation Methods:
All learners must successfully complete a post-test, as well as an activity evaluation, to claim CE/CME credit.
Disclosure:
The speaker(s) has returned the disclosure form, indicating that there are no financial relationships with ineligible companies: Carlo DiLorenzo, MD The following CME Committee/Planning Committee member(s) has the following financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose: Merck - Maria Cristina Victorio, MD All financial relationships have been mitigated.
Accreditation Statement:
Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron is accredited by the Ohio State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CHMCA designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit TM. Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Bibliography:
1. ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain-not otherwise specified in children aged 4-18 years. Groen J, Gordon M, Chogle A, Benninga M, Borlack R, Borrelli O, Darbari A, Dolinsek J, Khlevner J, Di Lorenzo C, Person H, Sanghavi R, Snyder J, Thapar N, Vlieger A, Sinopoulou V, Tabbers M, Saps M. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2025 Aug;81(2):442-471
2. Social Media and Children with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. Di Lorenzo C. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2025 Sep;54(3):627-638.
3. Gut-directed hypnotherapy in children with irritable bowel syndrome or functional abdominal pain (syndrome): a randomized controlled trial on self exercises at home using CD versus individual therapy by qualified therapists. Rutten JM, Vlieger AM, Frankenhuis C, George EK, Groeneweg M, Norbruis OF, Tjon a Ten W, Van Wering H, Dijkgraaf MG, Merkus MP, Benninga MA.
BMC Pediatr. 2014 Jun 4;14:140
