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Rethinking psychological treatment targets for pediatric rumination syndrome: Clinical implications from a case
William A Piña-Anastasiadis1, Lilianne M Gloe2, Annalee Johnson-Kwochka3
1Children's Hospital Colorado Affiliated With the University of Colorado School of Medicine Aurora Colorado USA.
Insights
Rumination syndrome in children may be effectively treated by conceptualizing it as a "tic disorder of the gut." This approach aids in managing pediatric gut-brain interaction disorders through targeted assessments and multidisciplinary care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Psychology
- Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders
Background:
- Rumination syndrome (RS) is a prevalent pediatric gut-brain interaction disorder.
- Limited research exists on effective treatments for pediatric RS, hindering clinical decision-making.
- Existing treatment strategies for similar conditions may offer valuable insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the clinical utility of conceptualizing pediatric RS as a
- tic disorder of the gut.
- To demonstrate how this conceptualization can guide treatment strategies for pediatric RS.
Main Methods:
- Presentation of two complex pediatric cases with RS.
- Analysis of symptom presentation and temporary alleviation of distress through rumination.
- Functional analysis and transdiagnostic symptom evaluation.
Main Results:
- Rumination episodes temporarily alleviated cognitive distress and physical discomfort in both cases, similar to pediatric tic disorders.
- The cases highlight the potential benefits of a
- tic disorder of the gut
- conceptualization.
Conclusions:
- A targeted diagnostic assessment, including functional analysis and transdiagnostic evaluation, is recommended for pediatric RS.
- Close comanagement between specialty physicians and psychologists is crucial for effective treatment.
- This conceptualization offers clinical utility for psychologists and allied health professionals treating pediatric RS.
Abstract:
Rumination syndrome (RS) is a common pediatric disorder of gut-brain interaction. However, a dearth of research on efficacious treatment to help guide clinical decision-making remains. Thus, relying on well-established treatment recommendations for other conditions with similar mechanisms or symptom profiles may be helpful; for example, conceptualizing RS treatment targets to address it as a "tic disorder of the gut" could be beneficial. To demonstrate the clinical utility of this conceptualization, we presented two cases that provide broad implications for treating pediatric RS. In both cases, akin to pediatric tic and related disorders, cognitive distress and physical discomfort were alleviated temporarily by rumination episodes. Thus, we recommend a targeted diagnostic assessment, including a functional analysis incorporating a transdiagnostic evaluation of symptoms. Close comanagement with specialty physicians and psychologists is also highly recommended. The patients represent complex yet standard cases seen in pediatric psychology outpatient clinics, suggesting the clinical utility of implications for psychologists and allied health professionals.
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