Related Experiment Videos
Differing coping mechanisms, stress level and anorectal physiology in patients with functional constipation
Annie-Oo Chan1, Cecilia Cheng, Wai-Mo Hui
1Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China. aoochan@hku.hk
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 9, 2005
Summary
Investigating coping mechanisms in constipation reveals that ineffective strategies, particularly less use of blunting, predict slow transit constipation and impact anorectal physiology.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychology
Background:
- Functional constipation is a common disorder with complex etiologies.
- Understanding the interplay between psychological factors and physiological dysfunction is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coping mechanisms, constipation symptoms, and anorectal physiology in constipated individuals.
- To explore the relationship between coping strategies and physiological parameters in functional constipation.
Main Methods:
- 80 constipated subjects and 18 controls were assessed using Rome II criteria for constipation diagnosis.
- Validated questionnaires evaluated coping ability, anxiety, and depression. Colonic transit time and balloon distension tests were performed.
Main Results:
- 34.5% of patients had slow transit constipation. Constipated subjects exhibited prolonged colonic transit time and altered rectal sensation compared to controls.
- Higher anxiety and depression scores were observed in constipated individuals. The 'monitoring' coping strategy correlated with rectal distension and urge sensation.
Conclusions:
- Defective or ineffective coping strategies may contribute significantly to the etiology of functional constipation.
- Coping mechanisms appear to be reflected in abnormal anorectal physiology, suggesting a psychosomatic link.