A NEW longitudinal pilot study has found that children and adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome face significant challenges in managing their treatment plans, highlighting unmet needs in daily self-management and adherence. The research, conducted at a multidisciplinary paediatric neurogastroenterology centre in the US, is the first to track real-time treatment behaviour and coping strategies in this patient group.
Paediatric irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common reasons young people attend medical care, yet little is known about how effectively they follow complex, multi-modal treatment plans. To address this gap, the study monitored 50 young patients aged 10–18 across three separate seven-day periods, capturing daily reports of pain, well-being, treatment adherence and coping strategies.
Treatment adherence varies widely across modalities
Participants reported average daily pain around five out of ten, with general well-being also in the mid-range. Oral medications and supplements were the most commonly prescribed treatments, but they were not the ones followed most reliably. Instead, the highest adherence was seen among young people referred to physical therapy.
Most young people relied on caregiver reminders to stay on track with treatment, and distraction was the most frequently used coping strategy for abdominal pain. However, reliance on reminders was associated with lower reported well-being. The authors suggest this may reflect greater symptom burden among those needing more support.
Building Confidence to Improve IBS Self-Care
Young people who reported greater self-efficacy in managing their symptoms also showed higher levels of physical activity, a factor often recommended for functional gastrointestinal conditions. The study highlights the importance of empowering adolescents to take an active role in care, rather than relying solely on external prompting.
Implications for improving care
The authors argue that personalised interventions targeting motivation, independence, and confidence may help close the self-management gap. With paediatric irritable bowel syndrome often fluctuating and highly individualised, understanding barriers and facilitators is essential to improving long-term outcomes. Larger studies are needed to identify modifiable factors and build evidence-based behavioural support programmes.
Reference
Gamwell KL et al. Self-management and treatment adherence in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A longitudinal study. J Psychosom Res. 2025;175:112396.
