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Psychological interventions for non-ulcer dyspepsia
1Gastroenterology Dept, South Tyneside District Hospital, Harton Lane, South Shields, NE34 0PL, UK. shelly.soo@sthct.nhs.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|February 20, 2004
Summary
Psychological interventions may benefit non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) symptoms, persisting long-term. However, current evidence is insufficient to confirm efficacy due to small study sizes and high dropout rates in group therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychology
- Evidence-based Medicine
Background:
- Non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) is associated with psychological distress, including anxiety and depression.
- The effectiveness of psychological interventions for NUD remains uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effectiveness of various psychological interventions for NUD.
- To assess improvements in dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized studies.
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycLIT.
- Included studies on psychotherapy, psychodrama, CBT, relaxation therapy, and hypnosis.
Main Results:
- Only four trials were identified, with varied interventions and limited data for meta-analysis.
- All trials suggested short-term benefits for dyspepsia symptoms, persisting for one year.
- Concerns raised regarding small sample sizes, statistical adjustments, and high dropout rates in group therapy.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient evidence exists to confirm the efficacy of psychological interventions in NUD.
- Long-term benefits are plausible for chronic, relapsing NUD.
- Psychological therapies may be considered for severe NUD cases unresponsive to pharmacological treatments.