Examining a link between gastroparesis and anxiety and depression: a brief contemporary review

Gastroparesis is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by delayed gastric emptying, often presenting with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and abdominal pain. Moreover, studies demonstrate higher rates of psychological distress among individuals with gastroparesis, compared with the general population; increasing evidence suggests that anxiety and depression contribute to symptom severity, reduced quality of life, and poorer treatment outcomes. Potential mechanisms underlying this seeming association include dysregulation of the gut-brain axis and the psychosocial burden of living with a chronic illness. Thus, this contemporary, mini review aims to integrate some current literature on the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical implications of anxiety and depression in patients with gastroparesis.