Severe gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms in relation to anxiety, depression and coping in a population‐based study

Abstract

SUMMARY BackgroundThe association between psychiatric disorders and gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms is uncertain, and few population-based studies are available.

Psychological disorders and personality characteristics of with gastro-esophageal reflux disease

“…This was similar to other studies 23,24 that have demonstrated a strong relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and depressive disorders. A study conducted by Jansson et al reported that patients with depression had 1.7-fold risk of GERD, those with anxiety had a 3.2-fold increased risk, while in those with both the risk was had 2.8-fold.…”

“…A study conducted by Jansson et al reported that patients with depression had 1.7-fold risk of GERD, those with anxiety had a 3.2-fold increased risk, while in those with both the risk was had 2.8-fold. 24 Similar to other studies, 8,13,21,25 in our study too, women with GERD-related symptoms were more commonly found to have depressive and anxiety disorders.…”

Impact of Burnout Syndrome on Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Health Care Workers

“…As Culpepper 1 mentioned in his excellent review, there is a bidirectional link between psychological/psychiatric conditions and functional disorders of the upper and lower GI systems. 5,6 In this study, we showed for the first time that in health care workers, burnout syndrome is also associated with GI symptoms. Our findings may have important implications, since in some patients, GERD therapy may eliminate burnout syndrome symptoms, while in other patients, refractory GERD or IBS may improve with psychological support or stress management workshops.…”

Anxiety Induced Refractory Gastrointestinal Disorders

“…Subjects reporting anxiety without depression had a 3.2-fold increased risk of reflux, subjects with depression without anxiety had a 1.7-fold increased risk and subjects with both anxiety and depression had a 2.8-fold increased risk, compared to subjects without anxiety or depression, suggesting anxiety and depression are strongly associated with reflux symptoms [9,10] (Figure 4). Furthermore, clinical trials have demonstrated that, adding Tricyclic antidepressant to a PPI was more effective than a doubledose of PPI in patients with FCP refractory to a conventional dose of PPI.…”