Local Pediatric Specialist Co-Authors Groundbreaking Study on Chronic Abdominal Pain and Mental Health in Youth
Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology
Hope and Coping in Youth With Painful Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction
DOTHAN, AL (April 16, 2025) Dothan, AL — Dr. Reed A. Dimmitt, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic, is a co-author of a newly published research study in Clinical Practice in Pediatric Psychology that sheds light on the powerful role of hope and coping strategies in children and adolescents living with painful Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs), such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.
Titled “Hope and Coping in Youth With Painful Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction,” the study investigates how a child’s sense of hope and their coping mechanisms impact not only the intensity of their abdominal pain but also their emotional well-being and quality of life.
Key findings reveal that children who report higher levels of hope experience less severe abdominal pain, lower rates of depression, and improved overall quality of life. Conversely, youth who rely on maladaptive emotional coping strategies, such as emotional withdrawal or outbursts, tend to report worse physical and mental health outcomes.
“This research reinforces the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic GI conditions in children,” said Dr. Dimmitt. “By fostering hope and encouraging healthier ways to manage pain, we can help kids feel better—not just physically, but emotionally, too.”
The cross-institutional study included collaborators from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and Washington University in St. Louis. It was supported by the Society of Pediatric Psychology and the UAB Department of Psychology.
Dr. Dimmitt, who has served as a pediatric subspecialist in Alabama for over two decades, continues to be a champion for integrated, whole-child care. His clinical and research interests focus on improving outcomes for children with chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions, with a growing emphasis on mental health and resilience.
The full article is available online at journals.sagepub.com/home/ppx.