Internet-delivered CBT for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adolescents

The Internet-delivered exposure treatment is based on the well-established internet-delivered CBT-treatment for IBS in adults, and adapted for adolescents and their parents. The feasibility of the treatment were tested in a pilot study during 2012. Components in the treatment are exposure for symptoms and parent training. The purpose of the treatment is to reduce fearful and anxious responses to symptoms and lessen avoidance of symptoms in the adolescents, and to teach the parents how parental behavior can influence symptoms in children. Detailed behaviour analysis is made for each individual and instruction is given on how to gradually expose to symptoms to lessen fear for symptoms and widen the behavioral repertoire.