Effect of depression and stress level on the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

Background. Functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are an actual problem of gastroenterology, since the symptoms of dyspepsia are one of the most common reasons for seeking medical help. In the occurrence and development of these disorders, chronic stress and depression can often act as a causative factor. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of depression and stress on the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 people with and without functional dyspepsia. A comparative assessment of the level of depression and stress in the studied groups of people, the impact of the above psychological conditions on the visceral hypersensitivity of the stomach was carried out. Results. Statistically significant differences in the indicators of depression and stress in persons with functional disorders of the stomach were revealed in comparison with the group of subjects without such symptoms. Statistically significant correlations were also found between the temperature of the water used in the drinking test and such parameters as the amount of fluid drunk (r=-0.966, p<0.05), as well as the level of depression and stress (r=-0.990, p<0.05 and r=-0.953, p<0.05). Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that patients with increased levels of stress and depression are characterized by a decrease in the temperature sensitivity threshold of the gastric mucosa, which in turn leads to symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Keywords

• functional dyspepsia
• visceral hypersensitivity
• depression
• stress