Efficacy of Audio Recorded Guided Imagery vs Deep Breathing Exercises on Functional Gastrointestinal Pain Disorders

Children managed in primary care with a functional gastrointestinal pain disorder will be recruited and studied for this trial. After participants are deemed eligible, they will complete multiple questionnaires and then be randomly assigned (like a flip of a coin) to either guided imagery or deep breathing exercises delivered via a digital media player. Participants will be instructed to listen to the tracks at least 5 days per week for an 8 week intervention period.

At week 3 of the intervention period, the participant will complete another 2 week pain and stool diary.

At week 7 of the intervention period, the participant will complete another 2 week pain and stool dairy. After this diary is completed, the participant will again complete multiple questionnaires for their final visit.

Inclusion criteria

• Children who meet criteria for a functional gastrointestinal pain disorder.
• Children who manage their abdominal pain in the primary care setting.

Exclusion criteria

• Children who have other comorbidities that are associated with chronic abdominal pain including abdominal surgery and other medical diagnoses that can cause chronic abdominal pain.
• Children with an intellectual disability which would hamper their ability to communicate with study staff about their pain and complete study questionnaires.
• Children who have presented to a gastroenterologist for abdominal pain management
• Children who have previously used deep breathing exercises or guided imagery to manage their abdominal pain.