Psychological distress is linked to gastrointestinal symptoms in diabetes mellitus

Nicholas J. Talley, Peter Bytzer, Johann Hammer, Lisa Young, Mike Jones, Michael Horowitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus, but the pathogenesis is controversial. We aimed to determine if GI symptoms are linked to psychological distress in diabetes.

METHODS: A consecutive sample of outpatients with diabetes mellitus (n = 209) and a random sample of community diabetics (n = 892) completed a validated questionnaire measuring GI symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale for anxiety and depression, and the Eysenck short neuroticism scale.

RESULTS: Overall, 42% reported one or more GI symptoms: bloating, abdominal pain, loose stools, and urgency were most common. The mean HAD and neuroticism scores were significantly higher for most GI symptoms (11 of 14, all p < 0.05), and a dose-response relationship was observed. GI symptoms were, in general, approximately twice as frequent in cases with anxiety or depression (HAD > or = 11). Anxiety, depression, and neuroticism were each independently associated with the number of GI symptoms, adjusting for age, gender, duration and type of diabetes, and self-reported glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of state anxiety and depression and neuroticism are associated with upper and lower GI symptoms in diabetes mellitus. It is uncertain whether psychological distress is causally linked to symptoms, or whether GI symptoms per se increase levels of anxiety and depression.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1033-8
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume96
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotic Disorders
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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