FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AND PSYCHIATRIC CO-MORBIDITIES; CANDOR OF ASSOCIATION SEEN IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF PAKISTAN

*Dr. Rahila Aamir, Dr. Sehar Ashraf, Dr. Tehzeeb Zehra and Dr. Uzma Batool

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the co-existence of FGID and psychiatric comorbidities in our patients. Methodology: In this observational, case control study, patients aged > 15 years, having gastrointestinal symptoms, presented in medical or gastroenterology outpatient department of Shifa International Hospital were enrolled. Patient having organic Gastro-Intestinal disorder were excluded. Diagnosis of FGID (functional gastro intestinal disorder) was made using Rome III criteria. Age and gender matched healthy relatives of patients, were recruited as controls. Both patients and controls were assessed for psychiatric disorders and somatic symptoms. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS 23. Chi-square test and t test used for data analysis. Results were expressed in mean ± SD and P value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: Mean age of patients and controls was 41.3 and 40.7 respectively. Female gender, unemployment, BMI 25-30, urban residence and being married were higher in data frequency. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding demographic characteristics. IBS-C was most common and was associated with more severe disease. Anxiety and stress disorder was most frequent (20.4%) psychiatric illness. Psychiatric co-morbidities were significantly higher in cases than in controls, however patients with depressive syndrome had more severe symptoms of IBS and more somatic complaints. Somatic symptoms were significantly higher among cases than controls. Conclusion: FGID overlap frequently with psychiatric comorbidities with same spectrum of psychiatric illness in cases and controls, indicating cause effect relationship between the two, so should be screened and managed under single umbrella.

Keywords: Correlation of IBS, FGID, IBS, psychiatric co-morbidity, somatic complaints.