Recurrent abdominal pain in children and the endogenous opiates: a brief hypothesis.
The aetiology of recurrent abdominal pain in children (RAP) remains unclear. Some features of this syndrome suggest that an opiate-like mechanism may be involved. The evidence for this is reviewed, and it is hypothesised that RAP may result from a differential gastrointestinal response to stress mediated by the endogenous opiate system.
Gaffney
Anne
A
Department of Applied Psychology, University College, CorkIreland Department of Surgery, Mallow General Hospital, Mallow, Co. Cork Ireland.
Gaffney
Peter R
PR
D000005:Abdomen; D002648:Child; D004723:Endorphins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000150:complications
D004723:Endorphins