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[Functional digestive disorders and the relationship with psychiatric diseases]
V L Drug1, Florentina Costea, Al D Ciochină
1Facultatea de Medicină Clinica II Medicală Gastroenterologie, Universitatea de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi.
Summary
Psychiatric disorders are more prevalent in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) who seek medical help. This suggests a link between mental health conditions and seeking care for functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common reasons for medical visits.
- Patient, disease, or environmental factors can influence medical referrals.
- The role of psychiatric disorders in functional gastrointestinal disorders requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in a general population.
- To assess the association between psychiatric history and IBS.
- To evaluate the influence of psychiatric disorders on medical referral for IBS patients.
Main Methods:
- Two-phase study design.
- Phase I: Assessed IBS prevalence and psychiatric history in a random sample (n=338) of an urban community.
- Phase II: Examined psychiatric history in patients referred for IBS symptoms.
Main Results:
- IBS symptom prevalence was 14.4% (17.7% in females, 8.4% in males).
- No significant difference in psychiatric history between the general population (6.2%) and IBS subjects (6.1%).
- Psychiatric disorders were significantly more common in IBS patients seeking medical assistance (18%) compared to the general population (6.2%).
Conclusions:
- Psychiatric disorders may play a role in the decision of IBS patients to seek medical care.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering mental health in the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders.