A History of Abuse in Community Subjects with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Functional Dyspepsia: The Role of Other Psychosocial Variables

Abstract

Background/Aims: Why abuse is associated with irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia remains unclear but other psychosocial factors may be important. We hypothesized that other psychosocial variables may confound the association. Methods: 207 subjects identified from a previous population survey who also met Rome I criteria for IBS (n = 156) or functional dyspepsia (n = 51) were included in the study. Controls (n = 100) did not report having any abdominal pain in a previous population survey. Sexual, physical, emotional/verbal abuse as a child (≤13 years) and adult (≧14 years) was assessed using validated self-report questions. Other psychological variables were assessed via validated self-report. Results: Adulthood abuse was significantly more common in IBS and/or functional dyspepsia (40%) compared with healthy controls (25%). Abuse was not an independent predictor for IBS or functional dyspepsia when psychological and buffering factors were controlled for in the analyses. Having a diagnosis of depression and using a self-controlling coping style were significantly associated with having a history of abuse. Conclusions: Abuse occurring as an adult was significantly associated with IBS and/or functional dyspepsia, but it was not an important factor when psychosocial factors were controlled for in these disorders.

Early Life Risk Factors That Contribute to Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Adults: A Systematic Review

“…They demonstrated that patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders were more likely to report a history of physical or sexual abuse during childhood or later in life compared to individuals with organic disorders 35 . Although some studies have combined childhood and adult abuse to demonstrate an association with IBS 36,37 , other studies have specifically investigated whether abuse during the childhood period was associated with IBS 38 . In a case control study of outpatients with IBS and organic gastrointestinal disorders, Salmon et al reported that adult patients with IBS recalled more sexual and physical abuse as a child 39 .…”

Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Abuse in a Prospective Study of Children at Risk for Abuse and Neglect

“…[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] One-half to two-thirds of patients in a tertiary care gastroenterology clinic reported a history of abuse. [16][17][18] Sexually abused women, in particular, report a high incidence of unexplained gastrointestinal problems.…”

Suvoktas Smurto Patyrimas, Emocijų Reguliacija Ir Somatiniai Sunkumai Ankstyvojoje Paauglystėje

“…Taip pat randamos sąsajos tarp vaikystėje patirto smurto ir atskirų psichosomatinių sutrikimų, tokių kaip fibromialgija (20), funkcinė dispepsija, dirgliosios žarnos sindromas (21,22), intersticinis cistitas (23) suaugusiame amžiuje. Be to, pastebėtas ryšys tarp vidurių užkietėjimo vaikystėje ir patirto fizinio, seksualinio bei emocinio smurto (24).…”