Patients with Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) frequently present with persistent symptoms despite appropriate medical treatment and reassurance. While traditional treatment approaches often focus on symptom reduction, many individuals remain caught in cycles of avoidance, hypervigilance, fear, and functional impairment that contribute to ongoing distress and disability. This course explores DGBIs through the lens of protective adaptations—behaviors, beliefs, and physiological responses that develop to help individuals manage perceived threat but may inadvertently maintain symptoms over time.

Participants will learn how the nervous system, prior experiences, family responses, and symptom-related learning histories influence the development and maintenance of protective adaptations such as symptom monitoring, activity avoidance, food restriction, reassurance seeking, bathroom safety behaviors, and caregiver accommodation. Drawing from current DGBI research, pain science, attachment theory, and trauma-informed frameworks, this training will provide a comprehensive understanding of why patients become “stuck” and how clinicians can identify these patterns within treatment.

Through case examples and interactive engagement, attendees will develop skills for recognizing protective adaptations, conceptualizing symptoms within a biopsychosocial framework, and implementing interventions that promote flexibility, resilience, functional restoration, and engagement in valued activities. Emphasis will be placed on helping patients move beyond symptom management toward meaningful participation in daily life.

Upon completion of the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the role of the gut-brain axis, nervous system processes, and threat detection mechanisms in the development and maintenance of DGBI symptoms.
• Identify common protective adaptations associated with DGBIs, including avoidance behaviors, symptom monitoring, reassurance seeking, food restriction, and caregiver accommodation.
• Explain how learning history, attachment experiences, and prior medical or stressful experiences can contribute to the persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms and functional impairment.
• Apply a biopsychosocial and protective adaptation framework to case conceptualization in patients with DGBIs.
• Utilize evidence-informed interventions that promote functional restoration, behavioral flexibility, and increased engagement in valued activities despite ongoing symptoms.
• Differentiate between interventions that inadvertently reinforce symptom-focused behaviors and those that support adaptive coping and recovery.