CBT for Chronic Gastrointestinal Disorders

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Presented by Melissa Hunt, PhD

Presenter Bio

Melissa G. Hunt is a licensed clinical psychologist and serves as the Associate Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.  She is a Fellow and Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy and a member of the Rome Foundation Psychogastroenterology working group.

Dr. Hunt conducts research on the best approaches for stress management, and into the causes and treatment of depression, anxiety disorders and chronic GI disorders. As a clinical scientist, her emphasis is on translating basic psychological science into treatments that are effective, acceptable, and accessible to patient populations. Her work focuses on identifying the underlying patient factors (e.g. unhelpful beliefs and maladaptive avoidance) that lead to reduced quality of life, impairment and distress, particularly factors that exacerbate chronic health problems and make them harder to cope with, and on developing and disseminating evidence based, empirically supported treatments for folks with GI disorders.  In addition to her research, she maintains an active private practice in clinical psychology in which she specializes in cognitive-behavioral treatment with patients with chronic GI disorders, as well as co-morbid mood, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma disorders.  She is the author of two evidence-based, empirically supported self-help books that make CBT accessible to patients with IBS and IBDs, as well as an empirically supported treatment manual on CBT for IBD patients.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of chronic GI disorders.

Etiological models of IBS and quality of life impairment in the IBDs (including biological factors, such as the impact of stress hormones and the microbiome on the functioning of the GI system, centrally mediated pain processing issues that lead to visceral hypersensitivity, cognitive factors such as catastrophizing and behavioral factors such as avoidance).

Treatment options, including dietary modifications (which are the most common approach utilized by IBS patients in the community), gut directed hypnosis, stress management and CBT including a substantial exposure component.

Several hypothetical cases will be presented with “choice points” built in allowing participants to practice applying new knowledge and skills.  Finally, the presenter will solicit questions and participation from audience members, especially regarding case consultation.  Role playing may be used to demonstrate effective CBT approaches with the audience member “playing” their patient.

CE Credits: 3

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the etiology, prevalence, symptoms, complications and medical treatment options of both irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in order to work effectively with these patients.
  2. Develop a case conceptualization that integrates GI disorders with any co-morbid mood or anxiety disorders, including the unique cognitive distortions and behavioral avoidance strategies (especially fear of incontinence and dietary restrictions) that tend to maintain and exacerbate distress and disability in GI disorders.
  3. Use a standard CBT approach with anxiety disorders to treat GI patients effectively, including collaborating successfully with gastroenterologists and considerations about medication.

Instructional Level

Advanced

This CE program is free to Kaiser Permanente employees.
Instructional Methodology

Lecture
Audio/Visual
On-Line Presentation

Continuing Education Information

This session is free to all Kaiser Employees. There is no known commercial support for this program.

For questions and requests for information, please contact our program evaluator: supria.k.gill@kp.org

Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Training Programs (KPMHTP) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. KPMHTP maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Refund and Attendance Policy

All programs offered on KP Learn for CE credit through the KP Northern California Mental Health Training website are free of charge to Kaiser Permanente Staff and trainees. Once a course is selected in the KP NCAL MH Training Website, the registration process begins, and it will appear in the individuals KP Learn profile for completion within 90 days.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Those who attend the program in full and complete the appropriate evaluation form will receive CE credits. Please note that credit will only be granted to those who attend the entire program. An attestation of attendance will be given once the individual has completed viewing the program, which will then initiate the final steps of completing the evaluation forms to receive a certificate of completion.

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