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Psychological stress and self-reported functional gastrointestinal disorders
Kerstin Suarez1, Claudia Mayer, Ulrike Ehlert
1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|March 11, 2010
Summary
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common in young adults, with over 64% reporting symptoms. Stress levels and maladaptive coping strategies significantly predict FGID, suggesting stress-reduction may help.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are prevalent but their etiology is largely unknown.
- Stress is a potential pathophysiological factor implicated in FGID.
- Understanding FGID prevalence and stress association is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of FGID in a healthy student population.
- To investigate the association between stress and FGID.
- To identify specific stress-related factors contributing to FGID.
Main Methods:
- An internet-based survey assessed 21 FGID in 668 healthy students.
- Measured subjective chronic stress, coping strategies, and stress reactivity.
- Statistical analysis to determine predictors of FGID symptoms.
Main Results:
- Over 64% of participants reported at least one FGID.
- Increased perceived chronic stress, dispositional stress reactivity, and maladaptive coping predicted FGID symptoms.
- FGID are common in apparently healthy young individuals.
Conclusions:
- FGID are highly prevalent in young, healthy individuals.
- Stress-related factors are significant predictors of FGID.
- Stress-reducing interventions may be beneficial for managing FGID.
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