Brain scans reveal how mindfulness and therapy calm Kids' tummy troubles

NCT ID NCT03518216

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Michigan State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANXIETY FUNCTIONAL ABDOMINAL PAIN SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Michigan State University

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.