Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

In Vitro Recording of Mesenteric Afferent Nerve Activity in Mouse Jejunal and Colonic Segments
Published on: October 25, 2016
Psychological and colonic factors in painful diverticulosis
D J Humes1, J Simpson, K R Neal
1Wolfson Digestive Diseases Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Background:
The importance of psychological factors in symptom expression in diverticulosis is unknown. This follow-up study assessed the relative importance of colonic and psychological factors in symptom expression.
Methods:
Patients with barium enema-proven diverticula were sent a bowel symptom questionnaire in 1999 and again in 2006 with additional psychological questionnaires included.
Results:
Some 170 of 261 initial responders were eligible for follow-up and 124 (72.9 per cent) provided complete replies. Forty-two (33.9 per cent) of 124 respondents experienced recurrent abdominal pain a median of 3.5 (interquartile range (i.q.r.) 2.00-9.25) days per month, with a median duration of 1 (i.q.r. 0.7-2) h. Multivariable analysis identified a history of acute diverticulitis (odds ratio 3.98; P = 0.010) and a raised score on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (odds ratio 2.53; P = 0.030) as the best predictors of recurrent pain.
Conclusion:
Psychological and colonic factors are important in symptom expression in diverticulosis.
Related Concept Videos
Diverticular Disease of the Colon
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis

