Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders from Argentina

Abstract

The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD), are characterized by the absence of anatomical or physiological abnormalities, and present a chronic and recurrent course. Their worldwide prevalence is approximately 40%. Psychological factors play an important role in the development and maintenance of FGD. Although the relationship between FGD and anxiety and depression has been studied, there is no data at the local level. The aim of the present study was to explore the levels of anxiety and depression in patients diagnosed with FGD in a local sample. Forty-six patients diagnosed with FGD were studied. The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) was used to evaluate the level of depression, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to evaluate the level of anxiety. 17.78% had mild depression, 26.67% moderate depression and 22.22% severe depression. 33.33% did not present depression. The median reported in state anxiety was 87 (IQR = 23.75) and in the trait anxiety was 93 (IQR = 16).  Significant direct associations were found between depression and state anxiety (r(44) = .54, p<.001) and between depression and trait anxiety (r(44) = .61, p<.001). The results reflect that people with a FGD have high levels of anxiety and depression, similar to those found in other studies. Knowing these data will allow improving the treatments for this population, focused on an interdisciplinary approach.