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[Dysphagia and emotional distress]
O Bretan1, M A Henry, F Kerr-Corrêa
1Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP - Botucatu, SP.
Arquivos De Gastroenterologia
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Psychogenic dysphagia, often linked to emotional distress, can be effectively managed with a holistic approach focusing on the patient
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Psychology
- Investigates the interplay between emotional distress and swallowing disorders.
Background:
- Psychogenic dysphagia is frequently associated with emotional distress, including anxiety and depression.
- Standard diagnostic methods like radiological and manometric examinations are often unsuitable for psychogenic dysphagia.
- A comprehensive evaluation of the patient, encompassing their personal concerns alongside the medical condition, is crucial.
Observation:
- Five cases of patients with swallowing difficulties and concurrent emotional distress were studied.
- Four patients experienced anxiety, while one was diagnosed with depression.
- A close medical-patient relationship was fostered through the adopted approach.
Findings:
- Patients received explanations regarding normal swallowing mechanisms and the influence of emotions.
- All five patients demonstrated improvement in swallowing symptoms within 24 hours.
- The study highlights the high incidence of dysphagia related to anxiety, depression, and conversion hysteria in urban populations, particularly in developing countries.
Implications:
- A holistic patient evaluation and a strong medical-patient relationship are vital for managing dysphagia.
- This simple, patient-centered approach proves effective even for dysphagia with confirmed organic causes.
- The findings underscore the need for greater professional awareness of the connection between emotional distress and swallowing disorders.