Psychiatric aspects of non-ulcer dyspepsia

Crean et al1 defined dyspepsia as 'any form of episodic or persistent discomfort or other symptom referrable to the upper alimentary tract, excluding jaundice or bleeding', and listed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and formal psychiatric illnesses with gastrointestinal manifestations among the common causes of non-ulcer dyspepsias. This paper will discuss the psychiatric aspects of non-ulcer dyspepsia and will be divided into four parts: --The effects of stress and emotion on the gastrointestinal tract --Personality traits of IBS sufferers --Psychiatric disorders and non ulcer dyspepsias --Treatment strategies.