OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the psychosocial characteristics among patients with functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID), adults with functional gastrointestinal symptoms, and normal control group and investigate factors related to quality of life (QoL) of FGID patients. METHODS: 65 patients diagnosed with FGID were selected. 79 adults were selected as normal control group based on the Rome III diagnostic criteria, and 88 adults who showed functional gastrointestinal symptoms were selected as “FGID positive group”. Demographic factors were investigated. Psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Korean-Beck Depression Inventory-II, Korean-Beck Anxiety Inventory, Korean-Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and WHO Quality of Life Assessment Instrument Brief Form. A one-way ANOVA was used to compare differences among groups. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze correlations between QoL and psychosocial factors in patients with FGID. RESULTS: There were group differences in the education level. Depression (F=29.012, p<0.001), anxiety (F=27.954, p<0.001) and Childhood trauma (F=7.748, p<0.001) were significantly higher in FGID patient group than in both FGID-positive and normal control group. Social support (F=5,123, p<0.001), Resilience (F=9.623, p<0.001) and QoL (F=35.991, p<0.001) were significantly lower in the FGID patient group than in others. QoL of FGID patients showed a positive correlation with resilience (r=0.475, p<0.01), and showed a negative correlation with depression (r=−0.641, p<0.01), anxiety (r=−0.641, p<0.01), and childhood trauma (r=−0.278, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FGID patients have distinctive psychosocial factors compared to the both FGID-positive and normal control group. Therefore, the active interventions for psychosocial factors are required in the treatment of patients with FGID.
Adult ; Anxiety ; Demography ; Depression ; Education ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Humans ; Psychology ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial characteristics of functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) in patients with psychiatric disorders. METHODS: This study was conducted with 144 outpatients visiting the psychiatric clinic at a university hospital. FGIDs were screened according to the Rome III questionnaire-Korean version. Demographic factors were investigated, and psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Korean, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Chi-squared test and student's t-test were used as statistical analysis methods. RESULTS: There were differences in education level between two groups divided according to FGID status (χ²=10.139, p=0.017). Comparing the psychiatric disorder by FGID group, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) group showed significant differences (χ²=11.408, p=0.022). According to FGID status, IBS group showed significant differences for anxiety (t=−3.106, p=0.002), depressive symptom (t=−2.105, p=0.037), somatic symptom (t=−3.565, p < 0.001), trait anger (t=−3.683, p < 0.001), anger-in (t=−2.463, p=0.015), and anger-out (t=− 2.355, p=0.020). Functional dyspepsia group showed significant differences for anxiety (t=−4.893, p < 0.001), depressive symptom (t=−3.459, p < 0.001), somatic symptom (t=−7.906, p < 0.001), trait-anger (t=−4.148, p < 0.001), state-anger (t=−2.181, p=0.031), anger-in (t=−2.684, p=0.008), and anger-out (t=−3.005, p=0.003). Nonerosive reflux disease group showed significant differences for anxiety (t=−4.286, p < 0.001), depressive symptom (t=−3.402, p < 0.001), somatic symptom (t=−7.162, p < 0.001), trait anger (t=−2.994, p=0.003), state anger (t=−2.259, p=0.025), anger-in (t=−2.772, p=0.006), and anger-out (t=−2.958, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psychiatric disorders had a high prevalence of FGID, and various psychosocial factors contributed to such differences. Therefore, the psychiatric approach can offer better understandings and treatments to patients with FGID.
Anger ; Anxiety ; Demography ; Depression ; Dyspepsia ; Education ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; Outpatients ; Prevalence ; Psychology

Functional neuroimaging studies have revealed the importance of the role of cognitive and psychological factors and the dysregulation of the brain-gut axis in functional gastrointestinal disorder patients. Although only a small number of neuroimaging studies have been conducted in functional gastrointestinal disorder patients, and despite the fact that the neuroimaging technique requires a high level of knowledge, the technique still has a great deal of potential. The application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique in functional gastrointestinal disorders should provide novel methods of diagnosing and treating patients. In this review, basic knowledge and technical/practical issues of fMRI will be introduced to clinicians.
Brain ; Functional Neuroimaging ; Gastrointestinal Diseases* ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Neuroimaging ; Psychology

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of psychological factors that are related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and their effects on the quality of life (QOL) of firefighters in South Korea. METHODS: This study examined data collected from 1217 firefighters in South Korea. After identifying firefighters with IBS according to the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), we collected demographic data and psychological variables through self-administered questionnaires. In order to observe the distribution of the high-risk group in the Korean occupational stress scale (KOSS) subcategories, we conducted logistic multiple linear regression. The correlations between psychological factors and QOL were analyzed and we performed a stepwise regression analysis. RESULTS: The groups (firefighters with and without IBS) showed differences by sex, working period, task, working pattern, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, Korean Occupational Stress Scale, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. IBS risk was higher in the following KOSS subcategories: job demand (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.11–2.89), interpersonal conflict (OR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.25–4.33), organizational system (OR 1.87, 95% CI: 0.58–3.30), and lack of reward (OR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.08–5.26). The final regression model explained 42.6% of the variance in overall quality of life. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that a number of psychological factors increase the likelihood of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and affect QOL. Therefore, when diagnosing IBS in the future, mental health aspects should be considered in addition to physical health.
Anxiety Disorders ; Depression ; Firefighters* ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Humans ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome* ; Korea* ; Linear Models ; Mental Health ; Psychology* ; Quality of Life* ; Reward ; World Health Organization

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The pathophysiology of IBS is not completely understood. Genetic, immune, environmental, inflammatory, neurological and psychological factors contribute to the risk of this condition. Traditional research explored gastrointestinal motor abnormalities, central neural dysregulation, abnormal psychological features, and visceral hypersensitivity. More recent investigations consider bacterial overgrowth, abnormal serotonin pathways, altered gut flora, immune activation and mucosal inflammation. The purpose of this article is to review recent translational research concerning the pathophysiology, biomarker and genetic factors of IBS and to encourage IBS research in Korea.
Biomarkers ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Hypersensitivity ; Inflammation ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome* ; Korea ; Psychology ; Serotonin ; Translational Medical Research*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To estimate the prevalence and evaluate the associated psychological factors of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in males in their twenties who are currently enrolled in military service. METHODS: A total of 1,073 men in the Korean army were asked to complete questionnaires based on the Rome III criteria and Symptom Checklist-90-revised (SCL-90R). The prevalence of FGIDs was estimated, and the associated psychological factors were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 967 men participated. The total prevalence of FGIDs was 18.5% (age-adjusted prevalence, 18.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.3% to 20.8%). The total SCL-90R scores were higher in men with FGIDs than men without FGIDs (24 [interquartile range, 13 to 44] vs 13 [5 to 28], p<0.001) and higher in men with overlapping syndromes than in those with single FGIDs (31 [18 to 57] vs 14 [5.75 to 29], p<0.001). Somatization (odds ratio [OR], 1.141; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.20; p<0.001), obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OR, 1.084; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.14; p=0.002) and depression (OR, 0.943; 95% CI, 0.90 to 0.99; p=0.020) were identified as independent predictive factors for FGIDs. CONCLUSIONS: FGIDs are common among men in their twenties who are fulfilling their military duty. Somatization and obsessive-compulsive features from the tense atmosphere are associated with the development or progression of FGIDs. Patients who exhibit overlapping syndromes require greater attention given their more severe psychopathology.
Depression/complications ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/*epidemiology/psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Military Personnel/psychology/*statistics & numerical data ; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder/complications ; Prevalence ; Psychopathology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Somatoform Disorders/complications ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTIONPatients with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) have a decreased quality of life (QoL). Psychological illnesses are strongly associated with FGIDs. This study examined the effect of a comprehensive psychological intervention programme designed for refractory FGID patients.

METHODSRefractory FGID patients at a tertiary gastroenterology unit were encouraged to participate in a psychological intervention programme, which included screening for anxiety and depression in patients, educating patients and physicians on FGIDs, and providing early access to psychiatric consultation for patients with significant psychological illnesses. The duration of follow-up was six months. Outcomes were measured using the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-QoL (IBS-QoL) instrument and the EuroQol five dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire.

RESULTSA total of 1,189 patients (68% female, 80% Chinese, mean age 48.6 years) participated in the programme. Among these participants, 51% had a significant psychological disorder (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] anxiety or depression score > 7). These participants had a significantly poorer QoL (IBS-QoL and EQ-5D, both p < 0.0001), and were more likely to be single or English-speaking, as compared to the participants without psychological disorders. Participants who completed ≥ 3 months of follow-up (n = 906) showed significant and durable improvement. High baseline HADS anxiety score predicted improvement (p < 0.001), with participant IBS-QoL and EQ-5D scores decreasing over time.

CONCLUSIONThe intervention programme was associated with a clinically meaningful improvement in the QoL of patients with refractory FGIDs. High baseline anxiety was predictive of improvement.

Adult ; Anxiety ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Depression ; complications ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; complications ; psychology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Disorders ; complications ; therapy ; Middle Aged ; Quality of Life ; Severity of Illness Index ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome

Recurrent abdominal pain in childhood is common, and continues to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It is usually attributed to a functional gastrointestinal disorder rather than an organic disease. In most cases, a comprehensive history and physical examination should enable one to make a positive diagnosis of functional disorder. The presence of alarm symptoms and signs, such as weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding and chronic severe diarrhoea, warrants further investigations and referral to a paediatric gastrointestinal specialist. The mainstay of therapy in functional abdominal pain is education, reassurance and avoidance of triggering factors. While symptom-based pharmacological therapy may be helpful in patients who do not respond to simple management, it is best used on a time-limited basis due to the lack of good evidence of its efficacy. The primary goal of therapy is a return to normal daily activities rather than complete elimination of pain. In recalcitrant cases, psychological interventions such as cognitive behaviour therapy and relaxation training have proven to be efficacious.
Abdominal Pain ; diagnosis ; psychology ; therapy ; Child ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; diagnosis ; psychology ; therapy ; Humans ; Pain Threshold ; Pediatrics ; methods ; Recurrence ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Migraine is frequently accompanied by symptoms consistent with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). This study evaluated the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal symptoms and assessed the symptoms' relationship with the concomitant functional symptoms of anxiety, depression, and headache-related disability. METHODS: This prospective study included 109 patients with migraine who were recruited from a headache clinic at a teaching hospital. The participants completed a self-administered survey that collected information on headache characteristics, functional gastrointestinal symptoms (using Rome III criteria to classify FGID), anxiety, depression, and headache-related disability. RESULTS: In total, 71% of patients met the Rome III criteria for at least one FGID. In patients with FGID, irritable bowel syndrome was the most common symptom (40.4%), followed by nausea and vomiting syndrome (24.8%) and functional dyspepsia (23.9%). Depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher in patients meeting the criteria for any FGID. The number of the symptoms consistent with FGID in individual patients correlated positively with depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: FGID symptoms defined by the Rome III criteria are highly prevalent in migraine. These symptoms correlate with psychological comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anxiety/epidemiology/psychology ; Comorbidity ; Depression/epidemiology/psychology ; Disability Evaluation ; Dyspepsia/epidemiology/psychology ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/*epidemiology/*psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Migraine Disorders/*epidemiology/*psychology ; Nausea/epidemiology/psychology ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Republic of Korea ; Vomiting/epidemiology/psychology ; Young Adult

There are many reasons why doctors would not to be able to communicate with patients. First, medicine is science or humanity? Although object of medicine is human, modern medicine tends to regard human as broken machine. Second, gastroenterologists are overloaded by treatment of patients, providing education, attending academic conference, and writing papers. Above all things, it is much worse for gastroenterologists because of endoscopic procedures. The other problem is attitude of modern society about human suffering. Sufferings come from not only body but also mind or spirit. Although there are may difficult problems, if doctors listen to patients' history by their side, it will help to restore their faith. In addition, we need humanity education and improvement plans for medical service system.
Delivery of Health Care ; Education, Medical, Continuing ; Gastrointestinal Diseases/*psychology ; Humans ; Physician-Patient Relations ; Physicians/*psychology