Brain scans reveal how mindfulness and therapy calm Kids' tummy troubles
NCT ID NCT03518216
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how a behavioral treatment called ADAPT affects brain activity in children aged 11–16 with functional abdominal pain and anxiety. The treatment combines mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy over six sessions, delivered remotely. Researchers used fMRI scans to see changes in brain connections related to pain and emotion. The goal was to understand how the treatment works in the brain, not to test if it cures the condition.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ADAPT (Aim to Decrease Anxiety and Pain Treatment) – a remotely delivered behavioral intervention combining mindfulness meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help design more targeted non-drug treatments for children with functional abdominal pain and anxiety.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study (49 participants) focused on understanding brain changes, not on proving the treatment works. Results may not apply to all children.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Michigan State University
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, United States