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What is new in abdominal pain-related disorders of the gut-brain interaction in children

Lily Barash1, Carmen Lindmoen2, Rachel E Borlack2

  • 1Cornell Medicine, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, NewYork Presbyterian Komansky Children's Hospital.

Current Opinion in Pediatrics
|August 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction (AP-DGBI), like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are common. Advances in diagnosis and treatment, including the biopsychosocial model, offer hope for improved management and quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric gastroenterology
  • Gut-brain interaction disorders
  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders

Background:

  • Pediatric abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction (AP-DGBI), including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain - not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS), are prevalent in children.
  • These conditions significantly impact a child's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of pediatric AP-DGBI.
  • To highlight emerging diagnostic tools, updated international guidelines, and novel therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent advances in pediatric AP-DGBI.
  • Analysis of diagnostic scoring systems, biopsychosocial factors, and updated clinical guidelines (e.g., 2025 ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN).

Main Results:

  • Novel diagnostic scoring systems show potential for improved clinical evaluation.
  • Sleep, biopsychosocial factors, and family dynamics are increasingly recognized as influencing disease severity.
  • The 2025 ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations for managing pediatric AP-DGBI.
  • Evidence for both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies is promising but requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric AP-DGBI are common and substantially affect quality of life.
  • Advances in diagnostics, understanding pathophysiology, and therapeutic options are improving management prospects.
  • Larger, high-quality pediatric trials are necessary.
  • A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach integrating the biopsychosocial model is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
biopsychosocial modeldisorders of gut–brain interactionfunctional abdominal pain – not otherwise specifiedirritable bowel syndromeneurostimulation

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