The psychology of disorders of gut-brain interactions

Title : The psychology of disorders of gut-brain interactions

Abstract:

This keynote examines the bidirectional gut-brain axis and its clinical relevance for gastroenterology practice, emphasizing that psychological and emotional states influence gastrointestinal symptoms through real, measurable physiology-and that GI symptoms can, in turn, shape mood, cognition, and quality of life. Many patients with chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal complaints experience persistent distress even after appropriate medical evaluation. Rather than positioning these symptoms as “psychological,” this presentation frames them as an integrated neurobiological process involving the enteric nervous system, autonomic regulation, visceral hypersensitivity, interoception, and threat appraisal. Attendees will learn a stigma-free, clinician-friendly model for explaining symptom persistence (“real symptoms, real biology”), along with practical communication strategies and care pathways that can enhance patient understanding, adherence, and outcomes. The talk will also review evidence-informed interventions that complement standard GI care-including gut-directed behavioral approaches and referral triggers-supporting a multidisciplinary, coordinated approach to patient management.

Biography:

Dr. Hill graduated from George Washington University with an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (1985), a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from West Chester University (2002) and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Temple University (2010). Dr. Hill has worked in the field for the past two decades in a variety of counseling and educational psychological roles and has taught psychology and counseling at both small  and large universities (University of Pennsylvania). She is currently the Executive & Clinical Director at a multi-state practice where she oversees more than a dozen clinicians and three interns.