The role of childhood abuse in Axis I and Axis II psychiatric disorders and medical disorders of unknown origin among irritable bowel syndrome patients.
OBJECTIVE
High rates of early abuse and psychopathology are commonly reported among treatment-seeking patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The purpose of this study is to further explore the relations among IBS, early abuse, Axes I and II psychopathology, and other medically unexplained disorders.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety-six IBS patients seeking nondrug treatment for their symptoms were characterized in terms of their gastrointestinal (GI) status, psychiatric status (Axis I and Axis II), early abuse status, and the presence of other functional disorders. Patients were divided into two groups based on early abuse status.


CONCLUSIONS
No significant differences emerged between abused and nonabused groups on either the presence of Axis II disorders or other functional health conditions, although there were high levels of both in the IBS population. Patients with a history of abuse were significantly more likely to meet criteria for an Axis I disorder, especially substance abuse disorders, dysthymia, and generalized anxiety disorder.
Blanchard
Edward B
EB
Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders, University at Albany-SUNY, 1535 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203, USA.
Keefer
Laurie
L
Lackner
Jeffrey M
JM
Galovski
Tara E
TE
Krasner
Susan
S
Sykes
Mark A
MA
D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care