Combined approach to functional constipation in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Child Psychology
• Family Therapy

Background:

• Conventional treatments for functional constipation (FC) in children have a high recurrence rate.
• International literature confirms the limitations of standard FC therapies.
• A novel medical-psychological approach was developed to address these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve sustained intestinal control in children with FC.
• To prevent the recurrence of functional constipation through an innovative therapeutic strategy.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a combined medical and psychological treatment for childhood FC.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 25 children diagnosed with FC, assessing various associated symptoms and behavioral patterns.
• Comprehensive questionnaires addressed eating, sleeping, school, toilet training, and daily routines of children and parents.
• Treatment integrated increased fluid and fiber intake, laxatives, and family therapy focused on rules, autonomy, and paternal involvement.

Main Results:

• FC onset averaged 3.5 years, often following stressful events, with 88% of cases linked to behavioral factors.
• Post-therapy, 92% of children showed behavioral changes within one month, and 88% achieved regular bowel movements by three months.
• Long-term follow-up (6-28 months) indicated that 68% sustained behavioral improvements and resolved pathological aspects of FC by one year.

Conclusions:

• A multidisciplinary approach integrating medical and psychological interventions yields significant results for childhood functional constipation.
• Establishing clear family rules and equalizing parental roles are key components for successful FC treatment.
• This therapeutic model demonstrates consistent efficacy in managing and resolving functional constipation in pediatric patients.