Empirically supported treatments in pediatric psychology: Recurrent abdominal pain

Objective: To review the status of empirically supported treatments for rec urrent abdominal pain (RAP). Methods: We identified studies based on literature search and contact with experts in the field and evaluated studies based on guidelines modified fro m the criteria established by the Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures. Results: Nine published intervention studies were identified that fell into three distinctive approaches: operant procedures, fiber treatments, and co gnitive-behavioral treatments. Conclusions: Operant procedures did not meet even the most lenient category (promising intervention) of the guidelines. Fiber treatment for RAP associ ated with constipation met the criteria for a promising intervention. Cogni tive-behavioral treatment met the criteria for a probably efficacious inter vention. We discuss implications and offer recommendations for future inter vention research.