|
A new classification of functional gastrointestinal disorders became available recently, based on consensus in expert committees (‘Rome III process’).
Dr van Oudenhove and colleagues from Belgium provided a noncomprehensive historical review of the literature on functional gastrointestinal disorders up to the mid-20th century, with special emphasis on the role of psychosocial factors and psychiatric comorbidity.
The pathophysiology of these frequent disorders remains incompletely understood,
 |
| Mood and anxiety disorders were high |
| Digestion |
It is widely accepted that these disorders result from a complex reciprocal interaction between biological, psychological and social factors that can be predisposing, precipitating and/or perpetuating.
The team noted that comorbidity with psychiatric disorders, especially mood and anxiety disorders, is high.
The researchers found that modern epidemiologic, psychophysiological and functional neuroimaging studies have partially elucidated the mechanisms underlying the relation between cognitive-affective processes on the one hand, and GI function and symptom reporting on the other.
Dr van Oudenhove's team concludes, "We can conclude from this review that a lot of the knowledge that became available recently through modern research methodology can also be found in the historical psychosomatic and neuroscience literature, though obviously less empirically grounded."
"This provides further support for an integrative, multidisciplinary biopsychosocial approach to functional gastrointestinal disorders."
| 
Email this page to a colleague
