Digital and Conventional Behavioral Therapies for Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Brain-gut behavior therapies (BGBTs) comprise of several behavioral and psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or gut-directed hypnotherapy that are effective at improving symptom management and quality of life for patients with a range of neurogastroenterology and motility disorders. This review highlights recent advances in BGBT approaches, including novel delivery methods to improve access to care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Traditional BGBT approaches have evolved to more effectively target GI-specific psychological processes, with exposure techniques and mindfulness-based skills emerging as important elements of treatment. BGBTs are also being delivered in new ways, including digital formats, to expand access to care. Digital therapeutics show promise; however, feasibility of these tools in clinical practice remains unclear. BGBTs continue to evolve to address the complex needs of patients with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) and are being applied more broadly to treat the full spectrum of DGBI conditions. Novel delivery methods show promise; however, further research is needed to identify real-world effectiveness of digital treatments and to identify patients most likely to benefit.