Behavioural medicine and gastrointestinal disorders: the promise of positive psychology

The Relationship Between Loneliness, Social Isolation, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Narrative Review

BACKGROUND

There is clear evidence that loneliness and social isolation have profound health consequences. Documenting the associations of loneliness and social isolation with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms, disease severity, and treatment outcomes could meaningfully improve health and quality of life in patients with IBD.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this narrative review was to synthesize the empirical evidence on the associations of loneliness and social isolation with IBD symptoms, disease severity, and treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Articles were identified through systematic database searches. Quantitative studies that enrolled patients with IBD were included if they examined one of the following outcomes: (a) loneliness or social isolation or (b) IBD-related symptoms, disease severity, or treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 1,816 articles after removing duplicates. Of the 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria, 15 were cross-sectional and 3 were longitudinal. Overall, studies found that loneliness was associated with greater disease activity, functional gastrointestinal symptoms, IBD illness stigma, depressive symptoms, daily IBD symptom burden, reduced resilience, and poorer quality of life. Social isolation was associated with higher prevalence of IBD hospitalizations, premature mortality, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that loneliness and social isolation are associated with poorer health and quality of life in patients with IBD. Prospective cohort studies examining the biobehavioral mechanisms accounting for the associations of loneliness and social isolation with IBD-related outcomes are needed to guide the development of psychological interventions for individuals living with IBD.

Investigating resilience in patients with IBD: preliminary insights for understanding disease-specific resilience skills

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) significantly impact patients' quality of life. While research highlights the potential role of psychological resilience to enhance overall health and well-being in patients with chronic conditions, its specific role in the context of IBD remains underexplored. This study aimed to identify key components of resilience, while serving as a precursor to the development of a disease-specific Resilience Scale for IBD (RISE-IBD).

Methods

In semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews, fifteen patients with IBD discussed their perspectives on the construct of resilience, particularly in terms of the diverse strategies they employed to overcome IBD-related challenges. Patients also deliberated on the relevance of themes identified in two widely used and validated resilience measures. Four analysts coded the transcripts using MAXQDA. Selected items for the drafted measure were refined based on constructive feedback from an additional focus group with study participants and six multidisciplinary IBD professionals, thus establishing face and content validity.

Results

The qualitative analysis revealed critical themes of resilience for IBD including: (1) seeking physical and emotional support from others, (2) developing personal coping mechanisms to manage stress, and (3) employing strategic disease-management techniques. These themes led to the identification of 17 items, which were categorized into three domains: interpersonal fortitude, individual character strengths, and logistical strategies.

Discussion

This study highlights the critical role of resilience, a core concept in positive psychology, in the effective self-management of IBD. The findings underscore the importance of building upon resilience strategies to help patients bolster the psychological potencies needed to manage their condition more effectively. Future research will focus on the psychometric validation of items identified for the scale. By incorporating resilience-building strategies into IBD care, we can support patients in developing a more positive outlook and improved life satisfaction.

Positive affect longitudinally buffers the negative effect of health anxiety on gastrointestinal symptoms

People with significant health anxiety may experience brain-gut dysregulation, leading to increased visceral sensitivity and greater gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Positive affect (PA), on the other hand, may serve as a protective characteristic, buffering the negative impact of health anxiety on GI symptoms. This study investigated interrelationships between health anxiety, PA, and GI symptoms. Longitudinal data were collected on health anxiety, PA, and GI symptoms via an online survey from 861 adults at two timepoints, 4 weeks apart. Regression models were conducted to examine the moderating effect of PA at baseline on future GI symptoms. Greater health anxiety at baseline predicted GI symptoms at follow-up, whereas higher levels of PA predicted reduced GI symptoms at follow-up. Post hoc testing revealed that PA significantly moderated the relationship between health anxiety and GI symptoms over time, such that higher levels of PA attenuated the effect of health anxiety on belly pain, nausea and vomiting, and reflux at follow-up. This study provides preliminary evidence PA may buffer the negative impact of health anxiety on GI symptoms. Future studies should explore whether the promotion of PA through interventions similarly attenuates health related anxiety's impact on GI symptoms.

Psychogastroenterology of cyclic vomiting syndrome: A crucial need to build evidence

Cyclic vomiting is a disorder of gut brain interaction (DGBI) emphasizing the need for treatment of both the brain and the gut. Despite clinical success of psychological therapies for CVS, also called brain-gut treatments, an evidence-base is lacking and these treatments are available in few GI practices. This has resulted in an "all guts no brain" approach to CVS. The current paper is a call to action to develop more evidence and use of brain-gut therapies in CVS.

A Novel Herbal Composition Alleviates Functional Constipation, Reduces Gastrointestinal Transit Time, and Improves Bowel Function in Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A recent proof-of-concept pilot clinical study has demonstrated that consumption of CL18100F4, a proprietary herbal blend of Withania somnifera root and Abelmoschus esculentus fruit extracts, significantly relieved the participants from functional constipation and improved their quality of life. The objective of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to reevaluate the efficacy and tolerability of CL18100F4 in a larger number of subjects.

METHODS

Male and female subjects (n = 135; age: 25-60 years), selected through Rome-IV criteria for functional constipation, were randomized into placebo and 300 or 500 mg of CL18100F4 groups and supplemented daily over 60 consecutive days. The primary efficacy outcome measure was Patient Assessment of Constipation-Symptoms (PAC-SYM), evaluated at baseline and on days 7, 30, and 60 of supplementation. The secondary efficacy parameters included Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL), Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) scores, Gastrointestinal Transit Time (GIT), and Complete Spontaneous Bowel Movement (CSBM). Serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, cortisol, gastrin, serotonin, Diamine oxidase (DAO), and Zonulin were measured.

RESULTS

CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the PAC-SYM, PAC-QOL, GSRS scores, and GIT and improved CSBM scores. CL18100F4 significantly improved (p < 0.001) sleep quality and decreased depression and anxiety symptoms in the participants. Notably, relief in constipation symptoms and improved gastrointestinal (GI) function were reported starting from day 7. Furthermore, CL18100F4 supplementation significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum levels of IL-10, DAO, serotonin, gastrin, reduced IL-6, cortisol, and Zonulin. No major adverse events were observed. Participants' vital signs, hematology, clinical biochemistry, and urinalysis parameters were within the normal ranges.

CONCLUSION

The present investigation demonstrates that CL18100F4 is tolerable and efficacious in relieving functional constipation, alleviating GI dysfunction, and improving associated non-GI factors in male and female adults.

Perceptions of and Experiences with the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased feelings of emotional distress and disruptions in care across diverse patients subgroups, including those with chronic medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We sought to understand the impact of the pandemic on the physical and emotional well-being of individuals with IBD and concurrent depression and/or anxiety symptoms. We conducted qualitative interviews after the beginning of the pandemic with 46 adults with IBD. Participants reported increased levels of emotional distress, feelings of social isolation, and uncertainty over whether IBD medications put them at increased risk. Young adults discussed feeling as if their lives had been disrupted. In addition, several individuals demonstrated resiliency and emphasized positives about the pandemic, including increased connectivity with family and friends, the convenience of being able to work from home despite their IBD symptoms, and lessened feelings of "missing out." Our findings highlight several opportunities to improve the health and well-being of individuals with IBD and beyond including increased support for combatting social isolation, enhanced counseling about medication risks and benefits, and the incorporation of resiliency skills building.

Pleasurable and problematic receptive anal intercourse and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus

The ability to experience pleasurable sexual activity is important for human health. Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is a common, though frequently stigmatized, pleasurable sexual activity. Little is known about how diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and their treatments affect RAI. Engaging in RAI with gastrointestinal disease can be difficult due to the unpredictability of symptoms and treatment-related toxic effects. Patients might experience sphincter hypertonicity, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, altered pelvic blood flow from structural disorders, decreased sensation from cancer-directed therapies or body image issues from stoma creation. These can result in problematic RAI - encompassing anodyspareunia (painful RAI), arousal dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. Therapeutic strategies for problematic RAI in patients living with gastrointestinal diseases and/or treatment-related dysfunction include pelvic floor muscle strengthening and stretching, psychological interventions, and restorative devices. Providing health-care professionals with a framework to discuss pleasurable RAI and diagnose problematic RAI can help improve patient outcomes. Normalizing RAI, affirming pleasure from RAI and acknowledging that the gastrointestinal system is involved in sexual pleasure, sexual function and sexual health will help transform the scientific paradigm of sexual health to one that is more just and equitable.

Irritable bowel syndrome and mental health comorbidity - approach to multidisciplinary management

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 5-10% of the global population. Up to one-third of people with IBS also experience anxiety or depression. Gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms both drive health-care use in people with IBS, but psychological comorbidity seems to be more important for long-term quality of life. An integrated care approach that addresses gastrointestinal symptoms with nutrition and brain-gut behaviour therapies is considered the gold standard. However, best practice for the treatment of individuals with IBS who have a comorbid psychological condition is unclear. Given the rising prevalence of mental health disorders, discussion of the challenges of implementing therapy for people with IBS and anxiety and depression is critical. In this Review, we draw upon our expertise in gastroenterology, nutrition science and psychology to highlight common challenges that arise when managing patients with IBS and co-occurring anxiety and depression, and provide recommendations for tailoring clinical assessment and treatment. We provide best practice recommendations, including dietary and behavioural interventions that could be applied by non-specialists and clinicians working outside an integrated care model.

Building a Self-Management Toolkit for Patients with Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Introducing the resilience 5

Transition from pediatric to adult health care is a complex process that calls for complex interventions and collaboration between health care teams and families. However, many inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinical care teams do not have the resources to implement rigorous transition programs for youth. This review provides a description of the Resilience5: self-efficacy, disease acceptance, self-regulation, optimism, and social support. The Resilience5 represents teachable skills to support IBD self-management, offset disease interfering behaviors, and build resilience in adolescents and young adults transitioning to adult health care systems. These skills can also be encouraged and reinforced during routine IBD clinical care.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Resilience

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI), characterized, mainly in severe cases, by altered psychological stress reactivity, psychological disorders, and dysfunction of the brain-gut-microbiota axis. Prior studies have highlighted significant physical and emotional impairments in the health-related quality of life of patients with IBS. Resilience is a psychosocial ability that reduces negative emotions while enhancing adaptation to adversities. Resilience is essential for health promotion and stress response. The present study aimed to carry out a review of the literature in multiple databases, using the descriptors "resilience", "resiliency", and "irritable bowel syndrome". The inclusion criteria for obtaining the most relevant papers were research articles on resilience and irritable bowel syndrome written in English, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and involving human subjects. Studies specifically on resilience in IBS were sparse. These results need to be understood in light of these limitations. As resilience appears to be modifiable, it is essential to conduct direct research on resilience-enhancing interventions for people with IBS. The study of the factors involved in successful adaptation must be extended, to possibly yield new interventions that help the patients overcome the difficulties imposed by the disease.

Positive psychological well-being: A novel concept for improving symptoms, quality of life, and health behaviors in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

Though a growing body of research suggests that greater positive psychological well-being in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be protective, existing brain-gut behavior therapies primarily target negative psychological factors. Little is known about how positive psychological factors in IBS relate to IBS symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), or adherence to key health behaviors, such as physical activity and diet modification. Accordingly, per the ORBIT model of behavioral treatment development for chronic diseases, we explored potential connections between psychological constructs and IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement (physical activity and dietary modification), and HRQoL in a qualitative study to inform the development of a novel brain-gut behavior therapy.

METHODS

Participants with IBS completed self-report assessments and semi-structured phone interviews about relationships between positive and negative psychological constructs, IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement, and HRQoL.

KEY RESULTS

Participants (n = 23; 57% female) ranged in age from 25 to 79 (mean age = 54). IBS subtypes were similarly represented (IBS-diarrhea [n = 8], IBS-constipation [n = 7], and IBS-mixed [n = 8]). Participants described opposing relationships between positive and negative psychological constructs, IBS symptoms, health behavior engagement, and HRQoL, respectively, such that experiencing positive constructs largely mitigated IBS symptoms, boosted health behavior participation, and improved HRQoL, and negative constructs exacerbated symptoms, reduced health behavior participation, and worsened HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Participants with IBS linked greater positive psychological well-being to moderated IBS symptoms and better HRQoL and health behavior participation. An intervention to cultivate greater well-being may be a novel way to mitigate IBS symptoms, boost health behavior participation, and improve HRQoL in IBS.

The role of psychological factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically reevaluate the role of psychological factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and thus provide a scientific basis for the psychological treatment of FGIDs.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from January 2018 to August 2022 for researches on psychological factors affecting patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Meta-analysis was carried out with Stata17.0 after the screening, extraction, and evaluation of article quality.

RESULTS

The search included 22 articles with 2430 patients in the FGIDs group and 12,397 patients in the healthy controls. Meta-analysis showed anxiety [(pooled SMD = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.62 ~ 0.86, p < 0.000) (pooled OR = 3.14, 95%CI: 2.47 ~ 4.00, p < 0.000)], depression [(pooled SMD = 0.79, 95%CI: 0.63 ~ 0.95, p < 0.000) (pooled OR = 3.09, 95%CI: 2.12 ~ 4.52, p < 0.000)], mental disorders (pooled MD =  -5.53, 95%CI: -7.12 ~  -3.95, p < 0.05), somatization (pooled SMD = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.61 ~ 1.23, p < 0.000), and sleep disorders (pooled SMD = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.04 ~ 1.34, p < 0.05) are risk factors for functional gastrointestinal disorders.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant association between psychological factors and FGIDs. Interventions such as anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and behavioral therapy are of great clinical significance in reducing FGIDs risk and improving prognosis.

Positive psychological well-being and clinical characteristics in IBS: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Psychological factors (e.g., depression, anxiety) are known to contribute to the development and maintenance of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Less is known, however, about the role of positive psychological well-being (PPWB) in IBS. Accordingly, we completed a systematic review of the literature examining relationships between PPWB and clinical characteristics in IBS.

METHOD

A systematic review using search terms related to PPWB and IBS from inception through July 28, 2022, was completed. Quality was assessed with the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. A narrative synthesis of findings, rather than meta-analysis, was completed due to study heterogeneity.

RESULTS

22 articles with a total of 4285 participants with IBS met inclusion criteria. Individuals with IBS had lower levels of PPWB (e.g., resilience, positive affect, self-efficacy, emotion regulation) compared to healthy populations, which in turn was associated with reduced physical and mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Limited exploration of potential biological mechanisms underlying these relationships has been described.

CONCLUSIONS

PPWB is diminished in individuals with IBS compared to other populations, and greater PPWB is linked to superior physical, psychological, and HRQoL outcomes. Interventions to increase PPWB may have the potential to improve IBS-related outcomes.

REGISTRATION

Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022304767.

Intraoperative Low-Dose S-Ketamine Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Crohn's Disease Undergoing Bowel Resection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) undergoing bowel resection often suffer from depression and acute pain, which severely impairs their recovery. We aimed to investigate the effects of S-ketamine preconditioning on postoperative depression in patients with CD undergoing a bowel resection with mild to moderate depression and to observe whether it can relieve postoperative pain and anti-inflammation. Methods: A total of 124 adult patients were randomized into one of the two groups. Patients in the S-ketamine group received a 0.25 mg/kg S-ketamine intravenous drip under general anesthesia induction, followed by a continuous infusion of S-ketamine with 0.12 mg/kg/h for more than 30 min through target-controlled infusion. Patients in the placebo group received 0.9% saline at an identical volume and rate. The primary outcome measure was the 17-item Hamilton depression Scale (HAMD-17). The secondary outcomes were scores on the following questionnaires: a nine-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9); a quality of recovery (QoR-15) form; and a numeric rating scale (NRS). Additional secondary outcomes included the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 5, the length of hospital stay, and opioid use throughout the hospital stay. Results: The scores of PHQ-9 and HAMD-17 in the S-ketamine group were lower than those in the placebo group on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, and 7 (p < 0.05). The scores of QoR-15 in the S-ketamine group were higher than those in the placebo group on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 5 (p < 0.05). The NRS scores of PACU, postoperative days 1 and 2 in the S-ketamine group were lower than those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the CRP and IL-6 levels on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 5, postoperative complications, and hospital stay between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The trial indicated that the intraoperative administration of low-dose S-ketamine could alleviate mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms and postoperative pain in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing bowel resection without worsening their safety.

Stress, Resilience, and the Brain-Gut Axis: Why is Psychogastroenterology Important for all Digestive Disorders?

In this review article, we show that stress and resilience play an integral role in the brain-gut axis and are critical to symptom expression across all digestive disorders. The relationship between stress, coping, and resilience provides a mechanistic basis for brain-gut behavior therapies. Psychogastroenterology is the field best equipped to translate and mitigate these constructs as part of patient care across all digestive disorders.

Depression and anxiety in inflammatory bowel disease: epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic, relapsing immune-mediated disease with a varying and sometimes severe disease course. IBD is often diagnosed in early adulthood and can lead to a substantial decline in quality of life. It has been suggested that patients with IBD are at increased risk of depression and anxiety, but it is still unclear to what extent these diseases co-occur and in what sequence they arise. This Review summarizes the literature on the degree of co-occurrence of IBD with depression and anxiety and the temporal relationship between these diseases. We also discuss the effect of psychological stress on the onset and course of IBD. In addition, we outline the possible mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of IBD and depression and anxiety, which include changes in brain signalling and morphology, increases in peripheral and intracerebral pro-inflammatory cytokines, impairment of the nitric oxide pathway, changes in vagal nerve signalling, gut dysbiosis and genetics. Finally, we examine the possible effects of treatment of depression and anxiety on the risk and course of IBD, the influence of psychological interventions on IBD, and the effects of IBD treatment on psychiatric comorbidity.

Natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease during 6 years of longitudinal follow-up

BACKGROUND

The long-term natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms on outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are uncertain.

AIM

To assess this in a longitudinal follow-up study of patients in secondary care METHODS: We assessed the natural history of IBS-type symptoms in IBD via Rome III criteria applied at baseline, and 2 and 6 years. We defined longitudinal disease activity as the need for glucocorticosteroids or flare, escalation, hospitalisation or intestinal resection. To assess healthcare utilisation, we recorded the number of outpatient clinic attendances and investigations. We also collected anxiety, depression and somatoform symptom scores and quality of life scores during follow-up.

RESULTS

Among 125 individuals with Rome III data at all three time points, only 41 (32.8%) never reported IBS-type symptoms. Fifteen patients (12.0%) had IBS-type symptoms at baseline that resolved, 19 (15.2%) had fluctuating symptoms, 35 (28.0%) had new-onset symptoms, and 15 (12.0%) had persistent symptoms. Among more than 300 patients with IBD activity data, IBS-type symptoms were not associated with an increased likelihood of the need for glucocorticosteroids or flare, escalation, hospitalisation or intestinal resection. However, the mean numbers of outpatient appointments and endoscopic investigations were significantly higher among those with IBS-type symptoms. Anxiety, depression and somatoform symptom scores were significantly higher, and quality of life scores were significantly lower, in those reporting IBS-type symptoms at least once during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

IBS-type symptoms affected more than two-thirds of patients with IBD during >6 years of follow-up and were associated with increased healthcare utilisation, and worse anxiety, depression, somatoform symptom and quality of life scores, but not adverse disease activity outcomes.

Childhood constipation: Current status, challenges, and future perspectives

Constipation in children is a major health issue around the world, with a global prevalence of 9.5%. They present to clinicians with a myriad of clinical signs. The Rome IV symptom-based criteria are used to diagnose functional constipation. Functional constipation is also a huge financial burden for healthcare system and has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life of children. There are various risk factors identified globally, including centrally connected factors such as child abuse, emotional and behavioral issues, and psychological stress. Constipation is also precipitated by a low-fiber diet, physical inactivity, and an altered intestinal microbiome. The main pathophysiological mechanism is stool withholding, while altered rectal function, anal sphincter, pelvic floor, and colonic dysfunction also play important roles. Clinical evaluation is critical in making a diagnosis, and most investigations are only required in refractory patients. In the treatment of childhood constipation, both nonpharmacological (education and de-mystification, dietary changes, toilet training, behavioral interventions, biofeedback, and pelvic floor physiotherapy), and pharmacological (osmotic and stimulant laxatives and novel drugs like prucalopride and lubiprostone) interventions are used. For children with refractory constipation, transanal irrigation, botulinum toxin, neuromodulation, and surgical treatments are reserved. While frequent use of probiotics is still in the experimental stage, healthy dietary habits, living a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to stressful events, are all beneficial preventive measures.

Stigma experiences of patients living with gastroparesis

INTRODUCTION

Stigmatization toward chronic digestive diseases is well documented. Patients perceive others hold negative stereotypes toward their disease and may internalize these beliefs as true. Because of this, stigmatization is associated with poor outcomes across disease-related and psychosocial domains. No study to date evaluates stigmatization toward patients living with gastroparesis (GP), a poorly understood disease affecting gastric motility. We aimed to gain deep understanding of stigma in patients living with gastroparesis.

METHODS

Patients with GP were recruited from two university-based gastroenterology practices as well as patient advocacy support groups. Participants underwent a semi-structured qualitative interview about their experiences with stigma related to their GP diagnosis, which were audio-recorded and transcribed to text for analysis using a grounded theory approach. Major themes with representative quotations were documented.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients participated. The majority were White, female, with idiopathic GP under the care of a gastroenterologist. All patients reported stigma related to GP. Seven major themes were found: stigma from healthcare providers, stigma within interpersonal relationships, GP as an invisible disease, blame, unsolicited suggestions on how to manage disease, disclosure, and stigma resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to describe stigma experiences in patients with GP. The results suggest patients experience considerable stigmatization toward their condition from multiple sources. Patients also demonstrated resistance to negative beliefs, which can serve as a protective factor for the negative effects of disease stigma. Clinicians should be aware of stigma in GP patients, including their own potential internal biases and behaviors.

How Should Pain, Fatigue, and Emotional Wellness Be Incorporated Into Treatment Goals for Optimal Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Early diagnosis and the optimal control of inflammation, with a continuous cycle of assessment, treatment, monitoring, and adjustment of therapy, is best practice for the management of inflammatory bowel disease. However, patients express frustration with ongoing challenging symptoms, often discordant with inflammation, including abdominal pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and emotional wellness; these are often not optimally addressed by inflammatory bowel disease clinicians due to lack of time or resources. This review will highlight the burden of these symptoms and issues, suggest ways of assessing these in clinical practice, highlight the importance of acknowledging and validating the symptoms and issues with patients, reassuring them that they are being heard, and discuss different possible models of service delivery for psychosocial support, from fully integrated gastropsychology models to referral pathways that optimize community support. We suggest the importance of the treat-to-target concept, where the target is not only control of inflammation but also emotional wellness.

Psychological and Nutritional Factors in Pelvic Floor Disorders

This article discusses the role of psychological and nutritional factors in gastrointestinal pelvic floor disorders such as dyssynergic defection and explores the use of multidisciplinary strategies to enhance treatment.

Associative learning and extinction of conditioned threat predictors across sensory modalities

The formation and persistence of negative pain-related expectations by classical conditioning remain incompletely understood. We elucidated behavioural and neural correlates involved in the acquisition and extinction of negative expectations towards different threats across sensory modalities. In two complementary functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in healthy humans, differential conditioning paradigms combined interoceptive visceral pain with somatic pain (study 1) and aversive tone (study 2) as exteroceptive threats. Conditioned responses to interoceptive threat predictors were enhanced in both studies, consistently involving the insula and cingulate cortex. Interoceptive threats had a greater impact on extinction efficacy, resulting in disruption of ongoing extinction (study 1), and selective resurgence of interoceptive CS-US associations after complete extinction (study 2). In the face of multiple threats, we preferentially learn, store, and remember interoceptive danger signals. As key mediators of nocebo effects, conditioned responses may be particularly relevant to clinical conditions involving disturbed interoception and chronic visceral pain.

Psychosomatic Disorders in Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases: Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study of 1186 Inpatients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients in the Department of Gastroenterology and to explore the risk factors affecting psychosomatic conditions in patients with digestive disorders.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized with gastrointestinal diseases were enrolled by the Department of Gastroenterology of Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from November 2017 to June 2018 and completed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. According to anxiety/nonanxiety, depression/nondepression, the subjects were divided into two groups, respectively, and the risk factors of anxiety/depression were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1186 patients were included in this study. The overall detection rate was 20.74% for anxiety symptoms alone, 31.78% for depressive symptoms alone, 13.99% for both anxiety and depressive symptoms, and 38.53% for either depression or anxiety symptoms. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was higher in female than in male patients and inversely correlated with levels of education. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of anxiety and depression between patients with functional and organic digestive diseases. Sleep quality and quality of life were inversely correlated with the severity of anxiety and depression. Notably, among the patients with abnormal psychological conditions, only 7.6% of them were willing to receive psychological treatment. Gender, sleep quality, and life quality are independent risk factors for anxiety and depression symptoms for inpatients with gastrointestinal diseases.

CONCLUSION

Paying more attention to the education level, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with gastrointestinal diseases will help doctors to identify the risk of psychological abnormalities and improve medical care.

Temperament and Health-Related Quality of Life in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

OBJECTIVE

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is typically examined from a deficit standpoint, meaning that little is known about factors associated with higher HRQOL in pediatric illness samples. The aim of the current study was to investigate demographic, disease, and temperamental factors associated with child and parent-report of HRQOL in youth newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

Participants included 52 youth ages 8-17 diagnosed with IBD and their caregivers who each completed ratings of the child's HRQOL. Parents rated their child's emotional reactivity, conceptualized as a temperamental risk factor, and adaptability, conceptualized as a temperamental protective factor. Disease symptoms were rated by youth, and physician global assessment of disease activity was obtained.

RESULTS

HRQOL was rated lower by children and their parents as self-reported disease symptoms and parent-rated emotional reactivity increased. Conversely, total HRQOL was higher for children with higher parent-ratings of adaptability. In multiple regression analyses, higher levels of adaptability along with male sex and lower child-reported disease symptoms were associated with higher child and parent-reported HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher HRQOL at time of diagnosis in pediatric IBD is associated with greater adaptability when accounting for variability due to child sex and disease symptoms. Consideration of temperament, including emotional reactivity and adaptability, may offer insight into patients' typical ways of responding when stressed and provide preliminary information about factors related to post-diagnosis HRQOL. Attention should be given to both protective and risk factors to inform future intervention development, including strengths-based approaches.

Empowered transitions: Understanding the experience of transitioning from pediatric to adult care among adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease and their parents using photovoice

OBJECTIVE

To identify barriers and facilitators of pediatric to adult transitions among adolescents with IBD and their parents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used photovoice to explore adolescent and parent perspectives on transitions in IBD care. Adolescents with IBD aged 14-23 and their parents were recruited from an urban IBD center during clinic visits. Participants completed a survey, took photos, participated in a semi-structured interview, and optionally participated in a focus group. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Two analysts coded interview data for themes using MAXQDA software.

RESULTS

Thirteen adolescents and eleven parents submitted photos and participated in an interview. The mean patient age was 19.0 ± 3.0. The mean parent age was 51.5 ± 5.4. Eleven (84.6%) adolescents were Caucasian; 12 (92.3%) privately insured; 4 (30.8%) in high school, 5 (38.4%) in college, and 4 (30.8%) in the workforce. Adolescent transition-readiness, resilience, and IBD-related self-efficacy scores were relatively high, with high agreement between patient self-report and parent-reported children's resilience; parents over-estimated their children's IBD-related self-efficacy. Participants discussed barriers to transitions including psychological distress, disease uncertainty, gut-brain axis-related issues, a lack of understanding by people unaffected by IBD, and frequent life disruptions. Facilitators of transitions included having a disease narrative, deliberately shifting responsibility for disease management tasks, positivity/optimism, social support, engagement with the IBD community, and mental health support.

CONCLUSION

Attention to psychosocial issues is warranted during the transition process from pediatric to adult IBD care, specifically related to understanding the gut-brain axis and accessing resources to optimize mental health and well-being among transition-aged adolescents and their caregivers.

Of bowels, brain and behavior: A role for the gut microbiota in psychiatric comorbidities in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND

The gastrointestinal microbiota has emerged as a key regulator of gut-brain axis signalling with important implications for neurogastroenterology. There is continuous bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain facilitated by neuronal, endocrine, metabolic, and immune pathways. The microbiota influences these signalling pathways via several mechanisms. Studies have shown compositional and functional alterations in the gut microbiota in stress-related psychiatric disorders. Gut microbiota reconfigurations are also a feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gut-brain axis disorder sharing high levels of psychiatric comorbidity including both anxiety and depression. It remains unclear how the gut microbiota alterations in IBS align with both core symptoms and these psychiatric comorbidities.

METHODS

In this review, we highlight common and disparate features of these microbial signatures as well as the associated gut-brain axis signalling pathways. Studies suggest that patients with either IBS, depression or anxiety, alone or comorbid, present with alterations in gut microbiota composition and harbor immune, endocrine, and serotonergic system alterations relevant to the common pathophysiology of these comorbid conditions.

KEY RESULTS

Research has illustrated the utility of fecal microbiota transplantation in animal models, expanding the evidence base for a potential causal role of disorder-specific gut microbiota compositions in symptom set expression. Moreover, an exciting study by Constante and colleagues in this issue highlights the possibility of counteracting this microbiota-associated aberrant behavioral phenotype with a probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745.

CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES

Such data highlights the potential for therapeutic targeting of the gut microbiota as a valuable strategy for the management of comorbid psychiatric symptoms in IBS.

Psychological Comorbidity and Intervention in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with significant psychological comorbidities, with associated impacts on patient quality of life, disease course, and health care costs. The present article reviews the latest evidence on the etiology of psychological comorbidities in IBD, with a focus on shared inflammatory pathways. The current state of practice in managing and understanding psychological comorbidities from the perspective of both gastroenterology practice and psychological treatment is reviewed, with a focus on evidence-based treatments shown to be effective in managing depression, anxiety, stress, and improving IBD-related health outcomes.

Implementing psychological therapies for gastrointestinal disorders in pediatrics

INTRODUCTION

The brain-gut axis refers to complex and reciprocal interactions that impact symptom presentation and disease course within the GI tract. Psychological therapies included in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) as well as chronic gut disorders including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) address environmental and psychological factors impacting patients' symptoms and overall functioning.

AREAS COVERED

Employing a biopsychosocial approach, this review focuses on the evidence for and implementation of psychological therapies across pediatric gastrointestinal disorders.

EXPERT OPINION

By developing a working knowledge of evidence-based psychological therapies applicable to pediatric gastrointestinal disorders, clinicians have the opportunity to comprehensively treat patients' symptoms and distress. Regular communication and coordination between pediatric gastroenterology clinicians and providers of psychological therapies offers the greatest likelihood for successfully implementing psychological therapies into treatment plans.

Psychogastroenterology: A Cure, Band-Aid, or Prevention?

Psychogastroenterology is a field that focuses on the brain–gut connection. Many children with gut disorders also struggle with psychological and social factors that affect their disease outcomes. Psychological factors have been suggested to be a cure, a band-aid, or a prevention. This article examines the underlying models of disease and health that determine how we understand and treat psychosocial factors in gut diseases. The biomedical and biopsychosocial models are presented and applied to pediatric gut disorders. This article should familiarize clinicians as well as children and their families to the challenges and opportunities for addressing psychosocial factors in gut disease. Psychogastroenterology is best thought of as a cog in a complex treatment machine.

High Levels of Psychological Resilience Associated With Less Disease Activity, Better Quality of Life, and Fewer Surgeries in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Stress and depression are risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbations. It is unknown if resilience, or one's ability to recover from adversity, impacts disease course. The aim of this study was to examine the association between resilience and IBD disease activity, quality of life (QoL), and IBD-related surgeries.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of IBD patients at an academic center. Patients completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale questionnaire, which measures resilience (high resilience score ≥ 35). The primary outcome was IBD disease activity, measured by Mayo score and Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI). The QoL and IBD-related surgeries were also assessed. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to assess the association of high resilience with disease activity and QoL.

RESULTS

Our patient sample comprised 92 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 137 patients with Crohn disease (CD). High resilience was noted in 27% of patients with UC and 21.5% of patients with CD. Among patients with UC, those with high resilience had a mean Mayo score of 1.54, and those with low resilience had a mean Mayo score of 4.31, P < 0.001. Among patients with CD, those with high resilience had a mean HBI of 2.31, and those with low resilience had a mean HBI of 3.95, P = 0.035. In multivariable analysis, high resilience was independently associated with lower disease activity in both UC (P < 0.001) and CD (P = 0.037) and with higher QoL (P = 0.016). High resilience was also associated with fewer surgeries (P = 0.001) among patients with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

High resilience was independently associated with lower disease activity and better QoL in patients with IBD and fewer IBD surgeries in patients with CD. These findings suggest that resilience may be a modifiable factor that can risk-stratify patients with IBD prone to poor outcomes.

Antidepressants in inflammatory bowel disease

Gut-brain dysregulation has been recognized by the scientific community as being crucial to the understanding of chronic gastrointestinal conditions, and this has translated into the practice of a newly established discipline, psychogastroenterology. Along with psychotherapy, antidepressants (a subtype of central neuromodulators) have been proposed as treatments for gut-brain disorders that might benefit both psychological and gastrointestinal health. Antidepressants have been found to be effective for the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression, pain and impaired sleep. Although the efficacy of antidepressants is well established in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), evidence is only now emerging in IBD. This Perspective discusses the use of antidepressants in DGBI and IBD, focusing on how what we have learnt about the role of antidepressants in DGBI could be applied to help optimize the management of IBD.

Developing a better biopsychosocial understanding of pain in inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Pain is frequently reported by patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pain in IBD is not fully explained by disease activity or other clinical findings, and a recent systematic review suggested that psychosocial factors have an important role in IBD-pain. The aim of this study was to investigate psychosocial factors associated with pain in IBD.

METHODS

297 adults (>16 years) with IBD were recruited from outpatient clinics (n = 114) and online (n = 183). Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing pain and potential emotional, cognitive and behavioural correlates. Socio-demographic and clinical factors including disease activity were also recorded.

RESULTS

243 (81.8%) of participants reported pain. Of these 243, mean age was 36 years; 153 (63%) had Crohn's disease, 90 (37%) had ulcerative colitis, and 165 (67.9%) were female. 62.6% reported mild, 31.6% moderate and 5.8% severe pain. 40.3% of participants with pain met established criteria for chronic pain and 18.5% reported opioid use. Female gender, smoking, surgery and steroid use were associated with greater pain severity. Psychosocial factors associated with pain-related interference included depression, catastrophising, fear avoidance, lower self-efficacy and worse mental well-being. Regression models explained 45.6% of the variance in pain severity and 49.7% of pain interference. Psychosocial factors explained 9.5% and 24% of this variance respectively when controlling for demographic and clinical variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain in IBD is significantly associated with cognitive and behavioural factors as well as low mood. This study contributes to a biopsychosocial understanding of pain in IBD and identifies important targets for future interventions.

The progress of gut microbiome research related to brain disorders

There is increasing evidence showing that the dynamic changes in the gut microbiota can alter brain physiology and behavior. Cognition was originally thought to be regulated only by the central nervous system. However, it is now becoming clear that many non-nervous system factors, including the gut-resident bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract, regulate and influence cognitive dysfunction as well as the process of neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular diseases. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors including dietary habits can regulate the composition of the microbiota. Microbes release metabolites and microbiota-derived molecules to further trigger host-derived cytokines and inflammation in the central nervous system, which contribute greatly to the pathogenesis of host brain disorders such as pain, depression, anxiety, autism, Alzheimer’s diseases, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Change of blood–brain barrier permeability, brain vascular physiology, and brain structure are among the most critical causes of the development of downstream neurological dysfunction. In this review, we will discuss the following parts:

Overview of technical approaches used in gut microbiome studies

Microbiota and immunity

Gut microbiota and metabolites

Microbiota-induced blood–brain barrier dysfunction

Neuropsychiatric diseases

■ Stress and depression

■ Pain and migraine

■ Autism spectrum disorders

Neurodegenerative diseases

■ Parkinson’s disease

■ Alzheimer’s disease

■ Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

■ Multiple sclerosis

Cerebrovascular disease

■ Atherosclerosis

■ Stroke

■ Arteriovenous malformation

Conclusions and perspectives

Stress and the brain-gut axis in functional and chronic-inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases: A transdisciplinary challenge

The broad role of stress in the brain-gut axis is widely acknowledged, with implications for multiple prevalent health conditions that are characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. These include the functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although the afferent and efferent pathways linking the gut and the brain are modulated by stress, the fields of neurogastroenterology and psychoneuroendocrinology (PNE)/ psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) remain only loosely connected. We aim to contribute to bringing these fields closer together by drawing attention to a fascinating, evolving research area, targeting an audience with a strong interest in the role of stress in health and disease. To this end, this review introduces the concept of the brain-gut axis and its major pathways, and provides a brief introduction to epidemiological and clinical aspects of FGIDs and IBD. From an interdisciplinary PNE/PNI perspective, we then detail current knowledge regarding the role of chronic and acute stress in the pathophysiology of FGID and IBD. We provide an overview of evidence regarding non-pharmacological treatment approaches that target central or peripheral stress mechanisms, and conclude with future directions, particularly those arising from recent advances in the neurosciences and discoveries surrounding the gut microbiota.

Recent Advances in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy For Digestive Disorders and the Role of Applied Positive Psychology Across the Spectrum of GI Care

BACKGROUND

Although cognitive behavior therapies (CBTs) have shown great promise in the reduction of symptom burden from as well as anxiety around various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, there are substantial issues involving the scalable delivery of such interventions within the clinical setting of a gastroenterology practice, leaving most patients without access to psychological care.

GOALS

This paper discusses the application of positive psychology principles and techniques for adoption by various GI providers to initiate early, effective psychological care for patients with GI disorders, saving CBTs for more complex cases.

STUDY/RESULTS

Authors provide a comprehensive framework of patient well-being known as REVAMP, which is consistent with CBT principles, and elaborate on research and interventions that can be adopted within the gastroenterology practice setting. Building positive resources can bolster patients with GI disorders against comorbid psychological and psychiatric distress.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive psychology interventions can be implemented within gastroenterology practice. Research is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of positive psychology interventions among patients with different digestive disorders and baseline psychological characteristics, as well as the feasibility of administration by different clinicians in the gastroenterology practice setting.

The gut-brain axis in health neuroscience: implications for functional gastrointestinal disorders and appetite regulation

Over the past few years, scientific interest in the gut-brain axis (i.e., the bidirectional communication system between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain) has exploded, mostly due to the identification of the gut microbiota as a novel key player in this communication. However, important progress has also been made in other aspects of gut-brain axis research, which has been relatively underemphasized in the review literature. Therefore, in this review, we provide a comprehensive, although not exhaustive, overview of recent research on the functional neuroanatomy of the gut-brain axis and its relevance toward the multidisciplinary field of health neuroscience, excluding studies on the role of the gut microbiota. More specifically, we first focus on irritable bowel syndrome, after which we outline recent findings on the role of the gut-brain axis in appetite and feeding regulation, primarily focusing on the impact of subliminal nutrient-related gut-brain signals. We conclude by providing future perspectives to facilitate translation of the findings from gut-brain axis neuroscientific research to clinical applications in these domains.

AGA Clinical Practice Update on Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Expert Review

DESCRIPTION

The purpose of this clinical practice update review is to describe key principles in the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

METHODS

The evidence and best practices summarized in this manuscript are based on relevant scientific publications, systematic reviews, and expert opinion where applicable. Best practice advice 1: A stepwise approach to rule-out ongoing inflammatory activity should be followed in IBD patients with persistent GI symptoms (measurement of fecal calprotectin, endoscopy with biopsy, cross-sectional imaging). Best practice advice 2: In those patients with indeterminate fecal calprotectin levels and mild symptoms, clinicians may consider serial calprotectin monitoring to facilitate anticipatory management. Best practice advice 3: Anatomic abnormalities or structural complications should be considered in patients with obstructive symptoms including abdominal distention, pain, nausea and vomiting, obstipation or constipation. Best practice advice 4: Alternative pathophysiologic mechanisms should be considered and evaluated (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, bile acid diarrhea, carbohydrate intolerance, chronic pancreatitis) based on predominant symptom patterns. Best practice advice 5: A low FODMAP diet may be offered for management of functional GI symptoms in IBD with careful attention to nutritional adequacy. Best practice advice 6: Psychological therapies (cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, mindfulness therapy) should be considered in IBD patients with functional symptoms. Best practice advice 7: Osmotic and stimulant laxative should be offered to IBD patients with chronic constipation. Best practice advice 8: Hypomotility agents or bile-acid sequestrants may be used for chronic diarrhea in quiescent IBD. Best practice advice 9: Antispasmodics, neuropathic-directed agents, and anti-depressants should be used for functional pain in IBD while use of opiates should be avoided. Best practice advice 10: Probiotics may be considered for treatment of functional symptoms in IBD. Best practice advice 11: Pelvic floor therapy should be offered to IBD patients with evidence of an underlying defecatory disorder. Best practice advice 12: Until further evidence is available, fecal microbiota transplant should not be offered for treatment of functional GI symptoms in IBD. Best practice advice 13: Physical exercise should be encourage in IBD patients with functional GI symptoms. Best practice advice 14: Until further evidence is available, complementary and alternative therapies should not be routinely offered for functional symptoms in IBD. This Clinical Practice Update was produced by the AGA Institute.