In the past, we only knew that DGBIs were common complaints in the pediatric population—often misdiagnosed and frequently overinvestigated. Although pediatric DGBIs are usually considered “benign” problems, parents are often worried, children may be in distress, and practitioners tend to focus on ordering tests to avoid missing serious occult diseases. DGBIs are still too often regarded as diagnoses of exclusion, and patients and families frequently feel that their symptoms are not validated and are considered to be “in their head.”

Since the initial development of the pediatric Rome criteria in 1999 there has been a major increase in the recognition and research related to it

Since the publication of the pediatric criteria, we have learned

a) about the pathophysiology of many of these disorders,
b) that a large number of adult DGBI start in childhood,
c) that early life events may predispose individuals to develop DGBI later in life, and
d) that pediatric DGBI are just as impactful on the quality of life and on society as many organic gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

We also now know that poorly treated pediatric DGBI can have long-term adverse outcomes, including lifetime internalizing psychiatric disorders, social phobia, and persistence of a plethora of somatic complaints, DGBI and other pain disorders.

Since their initial publication, the diagnostic criteria have been validated, the pathophysiology of the disorders is better understood, multiple randomized trials have been performed, and there are now several FDA-approved treatments for DGBI in children.

The Rome Foundation continues to invest in the development of pediatric criteria, diagnostic and treatment algorithms, relevant position papers and now, virtual education programming aimed at pediatric providers.

With the creation of the Rome Foundation Pediatric Section, we are providing the framework for additional intentional education and awareness on the prevalence of Disorders of Gut Brain Interaction in children and adolescents and expanding our reach into the field for general practitioners, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and particularly pediatric GI specialists to be able to recognize the disorders and provide better therapies to patients and their families.

Rome V

The Rome V Pediatric Committees are already working diligently on updating the science and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of DGBI in children and adolescents and will be releasing this new information in Spring, 2026. We are very grateful to the following members of the Rome V committees for their ongoing work:

Marc A. Benninga, MD, Carlo Di Lorenzo, MD, Rachel Rosen, MD, MPH, Miguel Saps, MD, Samuel Nurko, MD, MPH, Usha Krishnan, MD, Christophe Faure, MD, Nathalie Rommel, MD, Osvaldo Borelli, MD, Alan Silverman, PhD, Michiel van Wijk, MD, Carlos Velasco, MD, Annamaria Staiano, MD, Nikhil Thapar, MD, Miranda Van Tilburg, PhD, Shaman Rajindrath MD, Katja Kovacic MD, Arine Vlieger MD, Bruno Chumpitazi, MD

Bringing together international experts in psychological and behavioral treatments for pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms, this book provides detailed, evidence-based protocols targeting gastrointestinal distress and associated mental health concerns for patients and their families.

The first consolidated resource on the topic, Pediatric Psychogastroenterology, gives mental health professionals access to the most up-to-date clinical knowledge and practice. Taking a holistic approach, it guides the reader on the treatment and care of pediatric gastrointestinal patients, as well as how to work with and support children’s parents and families. The book is structured around symptom presentation and common challenges, enabling the reader to focus quickly on the area of need. Each chapter includes clinical pearls of wisdom and 62 developmentally appropriate worksheets for patients and their families to facilitate treatment, available for download.

This practical, authoritative guide is an essential resource for mental health professionals who work directly with pediatric cohorts, as well as postgraduate students in health psychology, behavioral medicine, or social work.