Eligible for inclusion were experimental studies with a control group that assessed the efficacy or effectiveness of psychotherapy for reducing recurrent abdominal pain in children and adolescents with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
The included interventions varied, but could be broadly classified as cognitive-behavioural therapy and relaxation therapy, brief targeted therapy and psychosomatherapy. Intervention components included psycho education, problem solving strategies, relaxation training/biofeedback, improvement of social situation, cognitive behavioural therapy, yoga, self-monitoring and other behavioural change strategies. Intervention duration ranged from two sessions to six months. There were more females than males and the age ranged (where reported) from four to 18 years.
The authors did not state how many reviewers carried out the selection of studies.