title: Functional gastrointestinal disorders: an update for the psychiatrist.
abstract: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common conditions, with well-established diagnostic criteria. They are associated with impaired health-related quality of life and increased societal and healthcare costs. Their symptoms are probably related to altered 5-HT transmission and central processing of noxious visceral stimuli. Evaluation and treatment are best formulated using a biopsychosocial model that integrates gut function with psychosocial assessment. Psychological therapies may improve overall well-being and appear to help patients without significant psychiatric comorbidity. Antidepressants help comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders and have primary efficacy in improving the symptoms of FGID. Finally, there is a need for greater involvement of psychiatrists in both the evaluation and treatment of patients with FGID as well as the education and training of practitioners caring for these patients.
authors.affiliation: Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611-2908, USA. mpjones@nmh.org
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Crowell
authors.forename: Kevin W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Olden
authors.forename: Francis
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Creed
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D011570:Psychiatry; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents