Irritable bowel syndrome and recurrent abdominal pain. A comparative review.

Clinical findings on irritable bowel syndrome in adults and recurrent abdominal pain in children are reviewed to determine if what is known about each disorder can illuminate our understanding of the other. The evidence reveals striking similarities between the disorders in prevalence, course, medical and psychiatric comorbidity, family medical and psychiatric history, and association with life events. Continuity between the two disorders is also suggested by the results of follow-up and follow-back studies. The review shows the importance of a developmental perspective for understanding functional bowel disorders in adults and points to areas where further research would be useful.