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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Electroacupuncture Combined with Chinese Medicine Ironing Therapy for Functional Constipation
Published on: July 5, 2024
Physical and psychological correlates of somatic symptom in patients with functional constipation: a cross-sectional
Zhifeng Zhao1, Bin Bai1, Shiqi Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, No.127, West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
Background:
The symptoms of functional constipation (FC) were obviously affected by mental symptoms, which was consistent with somatic symptoms. However, the characteristics of FC patients with somatic symptom remains unexplored.
Methods:
Clinical characteristics including somatic symptom (SOM, PHQ-15), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), quality of life (PAC-QOL), constipation (KESS), demographic variables, anatomical abnormalities and symptoms were investigated. Subsequent analyses encompassed the comparison of clinical parameters between patients with SOM + group (PHQ-15 ≥ 10) and SOM- group (PHQ-15 < 10), subgroup analysis, correlation analysis, and logistic regression. Lastly, we evaluated the somatic symptom severity (SSS) among FC patients subjected to various stressors.
Results:
Notable disparities were observed between SOM + and SOM- groups in variety of physiological and psychological variables, including gender, stressful events, sleep disorders, reduced interest, GAD-7, PHQ-15, PHQ-9, PAC-QOL, anterior rectocele, KESS, and internal anal sphincter achalasia (IASA) (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis affirmed consistent findings across mental symptoms. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between SSS and KESS, anterior rectocele, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and PAC-QOL (P < 0.05). Logistic regression identified PHQ-9 (OR = 7.02, CI: 2.06-27.7, P = 0.003), GAD-7 (OR = 7.18, CI: 2.00-30.7, P = 0.004), and KESS (OR = 16.8, CI: 3.09-113, P = 0.002) as independent predictors of SSS. Elevated SSS scores were significantly associated with couple, parental, and work-related stressors (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
A marked heterogeneity was observed between SOM + and SOM- patients of FC, with SOM + accompanied by more severe constipation, anxiety and depression symptoms. This finding underscores the importance of considering somatic symptoms in diagnosis and treatment of FC.
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