Psychological manifestations of gastrointestinal disorders. Comments

This article reviews the literature regarding the interplay between gastrointestinal complaints and psychological factors, an increasingly recognized and therapeutically important aspect of referral practice. Knowledge in this field is distilled to broad principles and approaches that can be applied to the different clinical entities affecting the gut, from the esophagus to the rectum. The management of these challenging problems is discussed, with special attention paid to the relationship between the physician and his or her patient. This article is highly relevant and applicable to the often complicated referral case seen by the gastroenterology subspecialist.