Natoshia R. Cunningham, PhD, clinical scientist and pediatric psychologist in the department, was recently invited to Gothenburg Sweden to continue to build upon the momentum of collaborative research led by pediatric psychologists Emma Ramsay Milford and Åsa Nilses, ongoing since 2019. Dr. Cunningham’s evidence-based cognitive behavioral intervention to address pain and anxiety in youth with functional abdominal pain (Aim to Decrease Anxiety and Pain Treatment; ADAPT), which was originally used for youth presenting to gastroenterology settings in the US, has been adapted for use by these researchers in primary care within the Gothenburg region of Sweden. As part of this ongoing collaboration, the ADAPT intervention was translated to Swedish, refined, and animated films were developed as part of the self-support web modules.
Cunningham lecturing at the Centre for Progress in Children’s Mental Health, Gothenburg, Sweden
During Dr. Cunningham’s trip to Gothenburg, she presented as part of a workshop to a group of 80 professionals including pediatricians, nurses, and mental health professionals part of the Centre for Progress in Children’s Mental Health. She also lectured to the Department of Psychology at Gothenburg University (chair: Dr. Sandra Buratti), hosted by Dr. Sandra Weineland, psychologist and research supervisor to Emma and Åsa. Dr. Cunningham expresses sincere gratitude to her hosts for not just the opportunity to engage in an international research collaboration, but for the kindness and hospitality shown to her during her travels.
Future directions include a large-scale trial of the ADAPT program in Swedish primary care settings and making this program part of the standard of care for youth. In the US, Dr. Cunningham is currently wrapping up about NIH-funded clinical trial to understand the neural mechanisms of effect of ADAPT. She also aims to increase access to pain management strategies for youth with functional abdominal pain and other chronic pain conditions and is currently conducting dissemination and implementation research training of pediatric pain management strategies in school settings.
From left to right, Ramsay Milford, Cunningham, and Nilses
From left to right, Ramsay Milford, Buratti, Nilses, Cunningham, and Weineland
