Gut Instincts: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction and Implications in Psychiatric Care

We’ll explore the latest science of gut-brain connection and its implications for psychiatric care in this session on disorders of gut-brain interactions (DGBI). DGBI, previously known as functional gastrointestinal disorders, are diagnosed when there are gastrointestinal complaints in the absence of identifiable underlying structural or chemical abnormalities, and are associated with high morbidity, poor quality of life, and increased health care utilization. Gain a clear understanding of DGBI and explore the biopsychosocial model that underpins these conditions. Since psychological factors are thought to intersect with gut-brain axis abnormalities in the development of DGBI, it is essential that psychiatric pharmacists understand these disorders and know how to integrate psychotropic medications and nonpharmacologic interventions effectively.

Opening remarks will be streamed before this session.

Target Audience

If you are a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, or other health care professional involved in the comprehensive medication management of individuals living with mental health and/or substance use disorders, we invite you to participate in this online course.

Course Requirements

To receive ACPE credit for this session, you must:

  • Register for this course.
  • Review the full content of the activity and reflect upon its teachings.
  • Complete the evaluation at the end of the activity.
  • Provide the necessary details in your profile to ensure correct reporting by AAPP to CPE Monitor.

Faculty Information

Brian J. Arizmendi, PhD, ABPP
View biographical information

Brian J. Arizmendi, PhD, ABPP
Constultant and Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Pychology, Joint Appointment, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Phoenix, AZ

Dr. Arizmendi is a board-certified Clinical Health Psychologist specializing in GI psychology at Mayo Clinic Arizona, jointly appointed in the department of Psychiatry and in the division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology with the department of Internal Medicine. As an Assistant Professor in the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, he engages in funded clinical research examining the impact of behavioral treatment on GI health outcomes, psychosocial drivers of GI disorders, and use of innovative technologies to advance behavioral health education in patients undergoing endoscopic surgeries.
 
He completed his master’s and doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Arizona, where he studied the neurobiological differences of acute and prolonged stress using functional MRI, behavioral task performance, and neuroimmunologic approaches. He completed his clinical internship in Behavioral Medicine at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. He returned to Arizona to complete fellowship at the Phoenix VA Health Care System with a specialization in health psychology before coming to Mayo Clinic four years ago. Dr. Arizmendi works clinically as an embedded member of the GIH division treating patients across the GI and Hepatology disease spectrum. 

Learning Objectives

  1. Define disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) and the Rome IV Criteria.
  2. Describe the biopsychosocial model of DGBI.
  3. Explain the role of psychotropic medications and nonpharmacologic interventions in the treatment of DGBI.

Continuing Education Credit and Disclosures

Activity Dates: 04/29/2025 - 04/29/2028
ACPE Contact Hours: 1.25
ACPE Number: 0284-0000-25-013-H01-P (Knowledge)
Nursing Credit Reminder: Note that ACPE credit is accepted for ANCC Certification Renewal and AANPCB advanced practice provider content. For specific questions related to your organization's acceptance of ACPE continuing education units, please contact your organization directly.

ACPEThe American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.

View AAPP's Privacy Policy

AAPP owns the copyright, is licensed or has received permissions for use of, or is otherwise permitted to use copyrighted materials within any CPE activity. Authors and speakers are required to obtain necessary copyright permissions for content in CPE activities. AAPP complies with copyright laws and regulations.

Questions? Contact AAPP.

View disclaimer and disclosure of off-label use

Off-Label Use: This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA (see faculty information). The opinions expressed in the educational activity do not necessarily represent the views of AAPP and any educational partners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclaimer: Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

View fair balance and integrity statement

It is the policy of AAPP to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in continuing education activities. Those involved in the development of this continuing education activity have made all reasonable efforts to ensure that information contained herein is accurate in accordance with the latest available scientific knowledge at the time of accreditation of this continuing education activity. Information regarding drugs (e.g., their administration, dosages, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, special warnings, and precautions) and drug delivery systems is subject to change, however, and the reader is advised to check the manufacturer’s package insert for information concerning recommended dosage and potential problems or cautions prior to dispensing or administering the drug or using the drug delivery systems.

Fair balance is achieved through ongoing and thorough review of all materials produced by faculty, and all educational and advertising materials produced by supporting organizations, prior to educational offerings. Approval of credit for this continuing education activity does not imply endorsement by AAPP for any product or manufacturer identified.