University at Buffalo (UB)
Christopher D. Radziwon Ph.D.
Christopher D. Radziwon
Ph.D.
Research Assistant Professor
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Behavioral Medicine; Psychology
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
View this physician on UBMDProfessional Summary:
I am a fellowship-trained health psychologist and director of the Pilot Studies Program in the Division of Behavioral Medicine at the University at Buffalo. My program develops and tests self-management programs for persistent pain disorders. I also develop and refine treatment manuals designed to help clinicians test and disseminate standardized interventions in order to consistently administer effective treatments.
My research goals are twofold: to better understand the predictors of treatment response, including co-morbid psychiatric disorders, personality variables, coping strategies, social environment, family factors; and to eventually identify the neurobiological underpinnings of treatment response to clarify how cognitive behavioral therapy CBT exerts its effects.
In addition to my clinical research program, I have more than 10 years of clinical experience assessing and treating patients struggling with chronic pain. I provide clinical care through UBMD internal medicine at the UB Behavioral Medicine Clinic. My practice provides behavioral treatments for medical patients with chronic illnesses ranging from traumatic brain injury, migraines, low back pain and multiple sclerosis to irritable bowel syndrome. I believe that the goal of behavioral counseling for chronic pain is less about lowering pain levels on a scale and more about helping patients develop strategies and skills that improve their quality of life. This process varies for every patient, but most often involves patients becoming involved in goal-directed activities with family, friends, recreational activities, and hobbies. For many patients, the goal is to reduce dependence on medications by learning more adaptive self-management skills.
Education and Training:
- Fellowship, Behavioral Medicine, University at Buffalo, Behavioral Medicine Clinic (2011)
- Internship, Counseling Psychology, University of Rochester (2009)
- PhD, Counseling Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University (2009)
- Certificate, School Counseling, University at Buffalo (2003)
- EdM, School Counseling, University at Buffalo (2002)
- MA, Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo (2001)
- BA, Psychology, University at Buffalo (1997)
Employment:
- Research Assistant Professor, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2018-present)
- Health Psychologist, Erie County Medical Center (2012-present)
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2017–2018)
- Research Scientist/ Health Psychologist, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2011–2017)
- Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Behavioral Medicine, Medicine, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2009–2011)
- School Counselor/Family Counselor, Northtowns Academy (2003–2005)
- School Counselor/Social Worker, Gateway-Longview, Inc (2002)
Awards and Honors:
- Certificate of Merit - Educational Activities (2014)
- Research Initiation Grant (RIG) (2008)
- Lawanda P. Muller Graduate Fellowship in Education (2007)
- Edwin L. Herr Scholarship for the Education of Counselors (2006)
- Graham Endowed Fellowship (2005)
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- September 2021–July 2026
A brief, transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral treatment for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS): Process, predictions, outcomes
NIH NIDDK
Role: Co-Investigator
$3,288,753 - August 2012–August 2017
Neurobiological mechanisms underlying effectiveness of CBT in IBS patients
NIDDK
Role: Contributor
$2,667,031 - May 2008–August 2017
Self Administered CBT for IBS: A Multisite Trial (IBS Outcome Study; IBSOS)
National Institutes of Health – NIDDK
Role: Contributor
$8,900,000
Journal Articles:
- Radziwon, C., Quigley, B., Vargovich, A., Krasner, S., Gudleski, G., Mason, S., Borden; A., & Lackner, J. (2022) Do I Really Have to Do My Homework? The Role of Homework Compliance in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Behaviour Research and Therapy (May)
- Lackner JM, Clemens JQ, Radziwon C, Danforth TL, Ablove TS, Krasner SS, Vargovich AM, O'Leary PC, Marotto T, Naliboff BD. (2024) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pelvic Pain: What Is It and Does It Work?. The Journal of urology (Jan)101097JU0000000000003847.
- Lackner, J., Quigley, B., Zilcha-Mano, S., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S., Gudleski, G., Enck, P. (2023) Factors that predict magnitude, timing, and persistence of placebo-like response in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gastro Hep Advances (Oct)(3): 221-229.
- Lackner, J., Jaccard, J., Quigley, B., Ablove, T., Danforth, T., Firth, R., Gudleski, G., Krasner, S., Radziwon, C., Vargovich, A., Clemens, JQ. & Naliboff, B. (2022) Study protocol and methods for Easing Pelvic Pain Interventions Clinical Research Program (EPPIC): a randomized clinical trial of brief, low-intensity, transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy vs education/support for urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS). BMC Trials (Aug), 23: 651-671. doi:10.1186/s13063-022-06554-9
- Lackner, J., Gudleski, G., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S., Naliboff, B., Vargovich, A., Borden, A., & Mayer, E. (2022) Cognitive flexibility improves in cognitive behavior therapy for irritable bowel syndrome but not nonspecific education/support. Behaviour Research and Therapy (Jul)
- Lackner JM, Quigley BM, Radziwon CD, Vargovich AM. (2020) IBS Patients' Treatment Expectancy and Motivation Impacts Quality of the Therapeutic Alliance With Provider: Results of the IBS Outcome Study. J Clin Gastroenterol (Apr)
- Lackner JM, Jaccard J., Firth R, Krasner S, Hamilton F, Keefer L, Ma CX, Radziwon C, Sitrin M, Brenner D, Gudleski GD, Carosella AM, Katz L. (2019) Factors Associated With Efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy vs Education for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol (Jul), 17(8)
- Lackner JM, Jaccard J, Radziwon CD, Firth RS, Gudleski GD, Hamilton F, Katz LA, Keefer L, Krasner SS, Ma CX, Sitrin MD, Brenner DM. (2019) Durability and Decay of Treatment Benefit of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 12-Month Follow-Up. Am J Gastroenterol (Feb), 114(2): 330-338.
- Quigley BM, Sova CC, Brenner DM, Keefer LA, Sitrin MD, Radziwon CD, Krasner SS, Lackner JM. (2018) (Can't Get No) Patient Satisfaction: The Predictive Power of Demographic, GI, and Psychological Factors in IBS Patients. Journal of clinical gastroenterology (Aug), 52(7): 614-621. doi:10.1097/MCG.0000000000000906
- Lackner JM, Jaccard J, Keefer L, Brenner DM, Firth RS, Gudleski GD, Hamilton FA, Katz LA, Krasner SS, Ma CX, Radziwon CD, Sitrin MD. (2018) Improvement in Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology (Jan), 155(1): 47-57.
- Radziwon CD, Lackner JM. (2017) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBS: How Useful, How Often, and How Does It Work?. Curr Gastroenterol Rep (Aug), 19(10): 49.
- Radziwon C, Lackner JM. (2015) Coping Flexibility, GI Symptoms, and Functional GI Disorders: How Translational Behavioral Medicine Research Can Inform GI Practice. Clinical and translational gastroenterology (Oct), 6: e117. doi:10.1038/ctg.2015.37
- Lackner JM, Gudleski GD, Firth R, Keefer L, Brenner DM, Guy K, Simonetti C, Radziwon C, Quinton S, Krasner SS, Katz L, Garbarino G, Iacobucci GD, Sitrin MD. (2013) Negative aspects of close relationships are more strongly associated than supportive personal relationships with illness burden of irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of psychosomatic research (Jun), 74(6): 493-500. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2013.03.009
- Lackner, J., Gudleski, G., Haroon, M., Krasner, S., Katz, L., Firth, R., Sitrin, M., Radziwon, C., & Wurl, A. (2012) Proactive screening for psychosocial risk factors in moderate to severe patients with irritable bowel syndrome: The predictive validity of the Rome III Psychosocial Alarm Questionnaire. Neuroenterology, (Jan), 1: 1-7. doi:10.4303/ne/235546
- Radziwon CD. (2003) The effects of peers’ beliefs on eighth grade students’ identification with school. Journal of Research in Childhood Education (May), 17(2): 236-249.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Lackner, J. & Radziwon, C. (2022) Education/Supportive Psychotherapy Treatment Manual for Chronic Pelvic Pain. Unpublished Manual.
- Radziwon, C., & Lackner, J. (2011) In: What is behavioral therapy and will it help my patients with IBS?.
Abstracts:
- Lackner, J., Quigley, B., Zilcha-Mano, S., Mason, S., Gudleski, G., Krasner, S., Radziwon, C., Vargovich, A., O'Leary, P., & Enck, P. (2023) Who are the placebo responders in IBS clinical trials? A prospective study of a placebo-controlled multisite NIH Trial. Digestive Disease Week 2023. (May) Oral
- Quigley, B., Gudleski, G., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S., Firth, R., & Lackner, J. (2022) Mo1431: Predictors of dropout from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for IBS: Findings from a randomized clinical trial. Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Week. (May) S-769 Poster
- Lackner, J., Gudleski, G., Krasner, S., Radziwon, C., Firth, R., & Hamilton, F. (2022) Mo1436: Is Symptom Remission Possible With Psychosocial Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?: Rates of Remission for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Vs Education/Support at Immediate and 6 Month Follow-Up. Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Week. (May) S-772
- Lackner, J., Gudleski, G., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S., Naliboff, B., Vargovich, A., Borden, A., Quigley, B., & Mayer, E. (2022) EP1246: Cognitive Flexibility Improves in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for IBS but Not Nonspecific Education/Support. Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Week. (May) S-1077 Poster
- Quigley, B., Gudleski, G., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S., Firth, R., & Lackner, J. (2021) Predictors of Dropout from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for IBS: Findings from a Randomized Clinical Trial. Digital Digestive Disease Week. Florida (Dec) Poster
- Lackner, J., Gudleski, G., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S., Naliboff, B., Quigley, B., Vargovich, A., Borden, A., & Mayer, E. (2021) Cognitive Flexibility Improves in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome But Not Nonspecific Education/Support. Digital Digestive Disease Week. Florida (Dec) Poster
- Lackner, J., Quigley, B., Gudleski, G., Borden, A., Vargovich, A., Radziwon, C., Ruminski, A., & Krasner, S. (2021) Not All Symptom Change is Created Equally: Sudden Gains and Critical Sessions in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology, Digital Digestive Disease Week. Florida (May) S-674-675
- Mason, S., Radziwon, C., Quigley, B., Gudleski, G., Vargovich, A., Borden, A., & Lackner, J. (2020) Do I really have to do my homework? The relationship between homework compliance and GI symptom improvement following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Week. (May) S905
- Lackner, J., Jaccard, J., Firth, R., Krasner, S., Hamilton, F., Keefer, L., Ma, C-X., Radziwon, C., Sitrin, M., Brenner, D., Gudleski, G., & Katz, L. (2020) Factors associated with efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy vs. education for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Week. (May) S905
- Quigley, B., Radziwon, C., Vargovich, A., & Lackner, J. (2020) Treatment expectancy for GI symptom improvement and motivation impacts the quality of the therapeutic alliance with IBS patients. Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Week. (May) S905
- Gudleski, G.D., Quigley, B.Q., Naliboff, B.D., Labus, J.S., Mayer, E.A., Radziwon, C., Vargovich, A., Krasner, S., & Lackner, J.M. (2019) Centralized sensitivity phenotype as a predictor of outcome to cognitive-behavior therapy for irritable bowel syndrome. (Jun)
- Quigley BM, Gudleski GD, Naliboff, BD, Labus JS, Mayer EA, Radziwon CD, Vargovich AM, Krasner S, Lackner JM. (2019) Centralized sensitivity phenotype as a predictor of outcome to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology, (May)
- Lackner JM, Quigley BM, Gudleski GD, Radziwon CD, Krasner S, Vargovich AM, Ruminski K A, Firth RS, Hamilton FA, Brenner DM. (2019) Global IBS Symptom Improvement In Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy-Treated Patients Is Associated With Clinically Important Changes In Abdominal Pain And Stool Consistency Across All Bowel Types. Gastroenterology, (May)
- Quigley BM, Ruminski KA, Vargovich AM, Gudleski GD, Radziwon CD, Mayer EA, Lackner JM. (2019) Psychological flexibility as an important feature of digestive health for patients undergoing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology, (May)
- Dunlap, L.J., Lackner, J., Jaccard, J., Radziwon, C., Brenner, D., Firth, R., Gudleski, G., Katz, L., Keefer, L., Krasner, S., Ma, CX., Sitrin, M., Tahiliani, V., Hamilton, F. (2018) Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Minimal-Contact Versus Standard Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Results of the IBS Outcome Study (IBSOS). Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner, J., Jaccard, J., Firth, R., Brenner, D., Gudleski, G., Katz, L., Keefer, L., Krasner, S., Radziwon, C., Ma, CX., Braun, A., Sitrin, M., Hamilton, F. (2018) Durability of the the Effects of Self-Administered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 12-Month Follow-up from the IBSOS Trial. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner JM, Quigley BM, Radziwon CD, Sitrin MD, Krasner S, Sova, C. (2017) (Can’t get no) Patient satisfaction: The predictive power of demographic, GI, and psychological factors in IBS patients. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner,J.M., Brenner, D., Firth, R., Gudleski,G., Hamilton, F., Katz,L.., Keefer, Laurie., Krasner, S., Ma, CX., Radziwon, C., Sitrin, M., Jaccard,J. (2017) Self-administered Cognitive Behavior Therapy for IBS: The IBS Outcome Study (IBSOS) Randomized Clinical Trial. Presented at the World Congress of Gastroenterology at ACG, Orlando, FL, (Jan)
- Lackner, J. M., Gudleski, G. D., Brenner, D. M., Keefer, L., Deqanwala, A., Sitrin, M. D., Baum, C., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S. S., Quinton, S., Iacobucci, G., Katz, L. A., Abbas, A. (2013) Testing the Relationship Between Psychological Factors and Post Prandial Symptoms in Moderate to Severe IBS Patients: Are We Approaching the Boundaries of the Biopsychosocial Model?. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner, J. M., Ma, C., Gudleski, G. D., Keefer, L., Brenner, D. M., Satchidanand, N., Firth, R., Sitrin, M. D., Katz, L. A., Krasner, S. S., Radziwon, C., Ballou, S., Naliboff, B. D. (2013) Type, Not Number, of Mental-Physical Comorbidities Increases the Severity of GI Symptoms in Patients with More Severe Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner, J. M., DiMuro, J. M., Gudleski, G. D., Keefer, L., Brenner, D. M., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S. S., Sitrin, M. D., Katz, L. A., Quinton, S. (2013) Prevalence, Severity, and Predictors of Self-Reported Fatigue in Patients with Moderate to Severe IBS. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner, J. M., Gudleski, G. D., Keefer, L., Brenner, D. M., Stewart, T. J., Iacobucci, G., Firth, R., Simonetti, C., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S. S., Sitrin, M. D., Katz, L. A., Quinton, S., Sklar, E. (2013) Psychosocial Predictors of Self Ratings of Health in Moderate to Severe IBS Patients: What’s Involved in Feeling Healthy Besides the Severity of GI Symptoms?. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner, J. M., Ma, C., Gudleski, G. D., Keefer, L., Smith, E. T., Radziwon, C., Booth, A. (2012) Additive and Interaction Effects of Medical and Mental Comorbidities on Health Outcomes in a Sample of Severely Affected IBS Patients From Two Tertiary Care Clinics. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Haroon M, Smith A, Sapaleva T, Gudleski G. D, Krasner S. S, Katz L. A, Wurl A, Powell C, Booth A, Radziwon C, Sampath P. K, Lackner J. M. (2011) Do ROME Foundation Psychosocial Alarm Factors Predict IBS Symptom Severity?: A Validation Study From an NIH Clinical Trial. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
- Lackner, J. M., Ma, C., Baum, C., Brasel, A. M., Smith, A., Sapaleva, T., Radziwon, C., Krasner, S. S., Katz, L., Powell, C., Sampath, P., Sitrin, M. D. (2010) What do IBS symptom severity scales measure?: GI symptoms, emotions, cognitions – Or something else?. Gastroenterology, (Jan)
Professional Memberships:
- Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) (2021–present)
- Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy; Division of the American Psychology Association (Division 29) (2017–present)
- Psychology Association of WNY (2008–present)
Presentations:
- "Treating Chronic Pain with Behavioral Medicine" Rehabilitation Science Seminar Series, University at Buffalo, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (2021)
- "Patient Engagement in the COVID-19 Era" Virtual Saturday CME, Catholic Health System (2021)
- "Beyond Prescriptions: Treating Chronic Pain with Behavioral Medicine - AM Buffalo Interview" AM - Buffalo Interview - https://www.wkbw.com/am-buffalo/treating-chronic-pain-with-behavioral-medicine (2019)
- "Beyond Prescriptions: Treating Chronic Pain with Behavioral Medicine." University Express (2019)
- "Neuropathic, Central Sensitization, & Phantom Limb Pain" Amputee Support Group (2018)
- "Psychological Factors In Chronic Pain" Educational Program to Physical Therapists at Sports PT (2016)
- "Help-Seeking Intentions in Adolescents: Links to Attachment, Distress, and Coping" Pennsylvania Counseling Association (2007)
Service Activities:
- Search Committee Member - Division of Behavioral Medicine Position: Academic Scholar - Clinical Health Psychologist, Department of Medicine; Search Committee Member (2023–present)
- Faculty group facilitator for the interprofessional forum Confronting Social Determinants of Health: An Interprofessional Strategy. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.; Small Group Facilitator (2023)
- BMC Psychology; Manuscript Reviewer (2023)
- Scientific Reports; Manuscript Reviewer (2023)
- Understanding Pain & Changing Health Behavior – presented to first year medical students. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.; Presenter (2023)
- Faculty group facilitator for the interprofessional forum Confronting Social Determinants of Health: An Interprofessional Strategy. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.; Faculty small group facilitator (2022)
- Interviewed for Taste for Life Magazine (2022, December) on breath work and behavioral treatments for chronic health, especially gastrointestinal illnesses. https://lightyoursparkle.com/spark-life-blog/242-breathing-for-health-longevity; Educator/Interviewee (2022)
- BMC Gastroenterology; Manuscript Reviewer (2022)
- BMJ Open; Article reviewer (2022)
- Faculty facilitator for the interprofessional forum Improving Health Care through Interprofessional Collaboration. March 2022. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.; Small Group Facilitator (2022)
- BMJ Open; Reviewer (2022)
- Faculty facilitator for the interprofessional forum Improving Health Care through Interprofessional Collaboration. March 2022. Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.; Small Group Facilitator (2021)
- BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies; Manuscript Reviewer (2021)
- Erie County Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Committee focused on outreach and understanding the acute and chronic biopsychosocial needs of chronic pain, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury patients. Led by Lisa Thorpe (Supervisor of Rehab Medicine, ECMC); Committee Member (2021–present)
- Interprofessional Group Forum Facilitator of small groups that focus on interprofessional collaboration and confronting social determinants of health; Small Group Facilitator (2021)
- Psychology Association of WNY Education Committee Chair Psychology Association of WNY (2012–2014)
- Psychology Association of WNY Education Committee Chair Psychology Association of WNY; Chair (2012–2014)