Genetics and Functional Bowel Disease

Abstract

participate and interact with established investigators in the field.Finally, the symposium intendedto developa research agenda for collaborative studies to define the pathophysiology and treatment strategies for childhood FAP. During the symposium the biopsychosocial model was endorsed to provide a framework to integrate the biological and psychosocial components of FGID. The biopsychosocial model assumes that the individual genetic background and early life experiences influence the biological and psychosocial predisposition to symptom development in response to a variety of physiological or noxious stimuli later in life. This response is affected by physical, environmental, and social exposures that influence the patient’s attitude toward illness. The first module of the symposium discussed the basic and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying FGID, including the role of early life events, genetics, and environment. Given that the biopsychosocial model has been adopted by investigators dealing with non-GI functional disorders, such as fibromyalgia, autonomic dysfunction, and migraine, experts from non-GI disciplines were asked to share their experiences in the second module of the symposium. The absence of a consistent biological marker in FGID has led to the development of symptom-based criteria to diagnose these disorders. The third module was dedicated to discussion of the Rome criteria (7–9). Finally, the last didactic module discussed medical, behavioural, and complementary treatment strategies for pediatric FGIDs. The end of the symposium was dedicated to the discussion of a research agenda and the creation of a pediatric multicenter consortium for the study of FGIDs, and brought together representatives from the National Institutes of Health, industry, and many interested pediatric gastroen