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Acid perception in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is dependent on psychosocial factors
B T Johnston1, S A Lewis, J S Collins
1Dept. of Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, UK.
Background:
Our aim was to contrast the psychosocial profiles of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease whose symptoms correlate well with acid reflux against those whose symptoms do not.
Methods:
One hundred and one patients presenting with heartburn for the first time underwent oesophageal pH monitoring, and 82 (81%) experienced symptoms during the recording. On the basis of how well their symptoms correlated with acid reflux, patients were divided into symptom-positive and symptom-negative groups. These two groups were then compared on the basis of four questionnaires looking at different psychosocial factors.
Results:
Symptom-negative patients displayed significantly higher levels of trait anxiety (44.5 versus 38.7; p < 0.05) and hysteria (5.6 versus 4.1; p < 0.05). The adequacy of their social support structures was significantly lower (6.2 versus 7.3; p < 0.05). No difference in daily hassles or uplifts was found.
Conclusion:
Significant psychosocial differences are noted in patients with poor symptom-reflux correlation. These differences may help explain the aetiology of such patients' symptoms.