Open Label Seroquel (Quetiapine) Study for Treatment Resistant Functional Bowel Disorder

The UNC Center for Functional GI \& Motility Disorders Clinic frequently receives referrals for patients with chronic and treatment refractory symptoms of abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction. Many of these patients are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, painful functional constipation or functional abdominal pain syndrome using Rome III criteria. The presenting symptoms of the referral population are frequently in the severe range, with patients having intensely painful symptoms, Axis I and Axis II co-morbidities, and impaired health related quality of life. Failure of multiple standard treatment attempts prior to referral is customary for patients seen in our clinic. Additionally, a greater number of patients only experience a partial response to standard treatment. We are therefore attempting to address these patients utilizing novel treatment strategies such as we propose here.