How Psychogastroenterology is a Key Tool in Digestive Disorder Management with Dr. Megan Riehl

Now more than ever, mental health and behavioral health are important. Working with a GI psychologist is typically short-term, but significantly helpful in improving your quality of life, coping with stress and decreasing the severity of your GI condition.

Today, I interview Dr. Megan Riehl who is a GI psychologist who specializes in psychogastroenterology and anxiety related-disorders. She is the Clinical Director of the GI behavioral health program at the University of Michigan and Director of Behavioral Health Services and Support for Gastro Girl, INC., a co-parent owner of GI OnDemand. Dr. Riehl’s clinical research focuses on the delivery of GI behavioral health treatment for patients with disorders of the gut-brain and IBD. Dr. Riehl participates on several national committees dedicated to research and education to enhance the psychosocial functioning of patients with gastrointestinal problems.

We talk about:

• how Megan became interested in gastroenterology as a psychologist
• what is psychogastroenterology?
• why does psychogastroenterology help digestive disorders?
• what is the brain-gut connection?
• how does the brain-gut connection play a role in digestive disorders?
• how does psychotherapy alter the brain-gut connection?
• different types of therapy proven to help those with IBS
• what is the difference between gut-directed hypnotherapy and mindfulness?
• how does food fears drive symptoms? How does psychogastroenterology help reduce food fears?

To learn more, you can follow Megan on twitter @DrRiehl or on Instagram @DrRiehl