Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic Abdominal pain may have many causes, however when there is no structural evidence for the pain it has been called Functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS) or more recently this has been renamed Centrally mediated abdominal pain (CAPS) which more appropriately fits the scientific understanding.  The pain is described as continuous or nearly continuous abdominal pain that is not usually related to eating, bowel movements, or menstruation.  The pain has to occur for at least 6 months.  Individuals with more severe CAPS are often unable to complete some of their daily activities like school, work, and family or social activities.  This type of chronic pain is also associated with impairment of quality of life and mood such as anxiety and depression.  It is thought that FAPS may be related to impairment in the brain’s pain control center, leading to an increased pain experience.