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Segura E, Vilà-Balló A, Mallorquí A, Porto MF, Duarte E, Grau-Sánchez J, Rodríguez-Fornells A. The presence of anhedonia in individuals with subacute and chronic stroke: an exploratory cohort study. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1253028. [PMID: 38384938 PMCID: PMC10880106 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1253028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Anhedonia refers to the diminished capacity to experience pleasure. It has been described both as a symptom of depression and an enduring behavioral trait that contributes its development. Specifically, in stroke patients, anhedonia has been closely linked to depression, resulting in reduced sensitivity to everyday pleasures and intrinsic motivation to engage in rehabilitation programs and maintain a healthy active lifestyle. This condition may hinder patients' recovery, diminishing their autonomy, functioning, and quality of life. Objective We aimed to explore the prevalence and level of anhedonia and those variables that might be associated in patients with both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke at subacute and chronic phases of the disease. Methods We conducted an exploratory cohort study with a sample of 125 patients with subacute and chronic stroke presenting upper-limb motor deficits. We measured participants' level of anhedonia with four items from the Beck Depression Inventory-II that describe the symptoms of this condition: loss of pleasure, loss of interest, loss of energy, and loss of interest in sex. We also collected demographic and clinical information and evaluated motor and cognitive functions as well as levels of depression, apathy, and various mood states. The results were compared to a sample of 71 healthy participants of similar age, sex, and level of education. Results Stroke patients demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence (18.5-19.7%) and level of anhedonia compared to the healthy controls (4.3%), regardless of stroke phase, level of motor impairment, and other clinical variables. Furthermore, post-stroke anhedonia was associated with lower levels of motivation and higher levels of negative mood states such as fatigue and anger in the long term. Importantly, anhedonia level was superior in stroke patients than in healthy controls while controlling for confounding effects of related emotional conditions. Conclusion This study provides novel evidence on the prevalence, level and factors related to anhedonia post-stroke. We emphasize the importance of assessing and treating anhedonia in this population, as well as conducting large-scale cohort and longitudinal studies to test its influence on long-term functional and emotional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Segura
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrià Vilà-Balló
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida Mallorquí
- Clinical Health Psychology Section, Clinic Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María F. Porto
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Duarte
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jennifer Grau-Sánchez
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Complex Health Diagnoses and Interventions from Occupation and Care (OCCARE), Escola Universitària d'Infermeria i Teràpia Ocupacional, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Rodríguez-Fornells
- Cognition and Brain Plasticity Unit, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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Coates MD, Clarke K, Williams E, Jeganathan N, Yadav S, Giampetro D, Gordin V, Smith S, Vrana K, Bobb A, Gazzio TT, Tressler H, Dalessio S. Abdominal Pain in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Evidence-Based, Multidisciplinary Review. CROHN'S & COLITIS 360 2023; 5:otad055. [PMID: 37867930 PMCID: PMC10588456 DOI: 10.1093/crocol/otad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Abdominal pain is one of the most common and impactful symptoms associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A great deal of research has been undertaken over the past several years to improve our understanding and to optimize management of this issue. Unfortunately, there is still significant confusion about the underlying pathophysiology of abdominal pain in these conditions and the evidence underlying treatment options in this context. There is also a relative paucity of comprehensive reviews on this topic, including those that simultaneously evaluate pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapeutic options. In this review, our multidisciplinary team examines evidence for various currently available medical, surgical, and other analgesic options to manage abdominal pain in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Coates
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kofi Clarke
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Nimalan Jeganathan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Sanjay Yadav
- Department of Psychiatry, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - David Giampetro
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Vitaly Gordin
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Sadie Smith
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Kent Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Anne Bobb
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Thu Thi Gazzio
- Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Heather Tressler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Shannon Dalessio
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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3
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Ruggiero L, Iovino P, Gargano D, Caloro A, De Leo L, D’Antonio A, Caputo A, Santonicola A. Upper Esophageal Sphincter Metrics across Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Functional Dysphagia: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5548. [PMID: 37685614 PMCID: PMC10488079 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have evaluated the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) with high-resolution manometry (HRM) in some esophageal diseases, but not eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The aim of our study was to evaluate the function of the UES across EoE, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dysphagia (FD), and the relationship with esophageal symptoms, esophageal body contraction, and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) metrics. METHODS HRM was performed on 30 EoE, 18 GERD, and 29 FD patients according to the Chicago Classification 3.0. The study data were exported to the online analysis platform Swallow Gateway. The UES was assessed in terms of UES Resting Pressure (UES-RP), UES Basal Pressure (UES-BP), UES Integrated Relaxation Pressure (UES-IRP), UES Relaxation Time (UES-RT), Basal UES Contractile Integral (Basal UES-CI), Post-Deglutitive UES Contractile Integral (Post-Deglutitive UES-CI), and Proximal Contractile Integral (PCI). RESULTS ANOVA analysis showed significantly higher values of Post-Deglutitive UES-CI in EoE patients compared with FD patients (p = 0.001). Basal UES-CI and UES-RP showed significantly higher values in EoE (p = 0.002, p = 0.038) and GERD (p < 0.001, p = 0.001) patients compared with FD patients. Correlations between LES-CI and Post-Deglutitive UES-CI, Basal UES-CI, and UES-RP (p ≤ 0.001, p = 0.027, p = 0.017, respectively), and between LES-BP and Post-Deglutitive UES-CI (p = 0.019), independent of diagnosis, were shown. No correlations have been demonstrated between the UES, EGJ metrics, and esophageal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Some differences in UES metrics in the three different diseases were found. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of our pilot study and possible applications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Ruggiero
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (L.R.); (P.I.); (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Paola Iovino
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (L.R.); (P.I.); (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Domenico Gargano
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 83100 Avellino, Italy;
| | - Angela Caloro
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (L.R.); (P.I.); (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Luca De Leo
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (L.R.); (P.I.); (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
| | - Antonio D’Antonio
- Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandro Caputo
- Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (A.D.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonella Santonicola
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy; (L.R.); (P.I.); (A.C.); (L.D.L.)
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4
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Carpinelli L, Savarese G, Pascale B, Milano WD, Iovino P. Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders and Anorexia Nervosa: Psychopathological Asset, Disgust, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112501. [PMID: 37299464 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are very common in subjects with eating disorders (EDs). This study aimed to (a) investigate the prevalence of gut-brain interaction disorders (DGBIs) in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, according to ROME IV criteria; and (b) explore AN psychopathological assets and disgust that might impact GI symptoms. METHODS Thirty-eight female patients consecutively diagnosed with untreated AN (age 19.32 ± 5.59) in an outpatient clinic devoted to EDs underwent Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Social Phobia Anxiety Scale (SPAS), Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and Disgust Scale (DS) questionnaires. The presence of DGBIs was evaluated and GI symptoms were assessed using a standardized intensity-frequency questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 94.7% of our sample met the diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), of which 88.8% presented the postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) subtype and 41.6% presented the epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) subtype. In addition, 52.6% of the sample met the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while for functional constipation (FC), prevalence reached 7.9%. All participants presented a pathological score on the disgust scale. Significant correlations were found between several GI symptoms and psychopathological asset and disgust. CONCLUSIONS AN is a multifactorial disorder. It is necessary to implement studies with an integrated approach, taking into account DGBIs, as well as to monitor the emotional-cognitive structure that acts as a factor in maintaining the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Carpinelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giulia Savarese
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Biagio Pascale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Paola Iovino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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Mallorquí A, Martínez-Zamora MA, Carmona F. Anhedonia in endometriosis: An unexplored symptom. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935349. [PMID: 36118502 PMCID: PMC9481352 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anhedonia is the diminished motivation and sensitivity to pleasurable stimuli. It has been reported to be more prevalent in patients with chronic pain as compared to healthy controls. Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory systemic disease with a significant psychosocial impact that compromises wellbeing and the day-to-day life of patients. Women with endometriosis show significant psychological distress, even more pervasive when chronic pelvic pain is present. In the current review we will discuss the role of anhedonia in endometriotic chronic pelvic pain. We will also present new lines of research that could lead to more fully clarifying the psychological impact of endometriosis and its detrimental repercussions to quality of life and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Mallorquí
- Clinical Health Psychology Section, Institute of Neuroscience (ICN), Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María-Angeles Martínez-Zamora
- Department of Gynecology, Clinic Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: María-Angeles Martínez-Zamora,
| | - Francisco Carmona
- Department of Gynecology, Clinic Institute of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Neonatology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Weigand R, Moosmayer A, Jacobsen T. Does self-reported chronic pain influence savoring of aesthetic experiences? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259198. [PMID: 34767583 PMCID: PMC8589147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aesthetic experiences elicit a wide range of positive emotions and have a positive impact on various health outcomes. In this context, savoring refers to a cognitive form of emotion regulation used to maintain and extend positive emotional experiences and is considered to contribute to health and well-being. Chronic pain has been linked to reduced reward-seeking behavior. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between self-reported chronic pain and savoring. METHODS We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey in a large non-clinical sample (opera, theater, and cabaret visitors; n = 322). The variables were assessed with a two-item-questionnaire. RESULTS Self-reported chronic pain was significantly negatively correlated with savoring (r = -.547). CONCLUSION Altogether, this result helps to develop a better understanding of the effects of chronic pain in humans and to shed light on state-dependent differences in aesthetic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Weigand
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Humanities and Social Sciences, Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Moosmayer
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Humanities and Social Sciences, Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Jacobsen
- Experimental Psychology Unit, Humanities and Social Sciences, Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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7
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DiMucci D, Kon M, Segrè D. BowSaw: Inferring Higher-Order Trait Interactions Associated With Complex Biological Phenotypes. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:663532. [PMID: 34222331 PMCID: PMC8245782 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.663532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Machine learning is helping the interpretation of biological complexity by enabling the inference and classification of cellular, organismal and ecological phenotypes based on large datasets, e.g., from genomic, transcriptomic and metagenomic analyses. A number of available algorithms can help search these datasets to uncover patterns associated with specific traits, including disease-related attributes. While, in many instances, treating an algorithm as a black box is sufficient, it is interesting to pursue an enhanced understanding of how system variables end up contributing to a specific output, as an avenue toward new mechanistic insight. Here we address this challenge through a suite of algorithms, named BowSaw, which takes advantage of the structure of a trained random forest algorithm to identify combinations of variables (“rules”) frequently used for classification. We first apply BowSaw to a simulated dataset and show that the algorithm can accurately recover the sets of variables used to generate the phenotypes through complex Boolean rules, even under challenging noise levels. We next apply our method to data from the integrative Human Microbiome Project and find previously unreported high-order combinations of microbial taxa putatively associated with Crohn’s disease. By leveraging the structure of trees within a random forest, BowSaw provides a new way of using decision trees to generate testable biological hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetrius DiMucci
- Bioinformatics Graduate Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark Kon
- Bioinformatics Graduate Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Daniel Segrè
- Bioinformatics Graduate Program, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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8
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Rizvi SJ, Gandhi W, Salomons T. Reward processing as a common diathesis for chronic pain and depression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:749-760. [PMID: 33951413 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pain disorders and psychiatric illness are strongly comorbid, particularly in the context of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). While these disorders account for a significant amount of global disability, the mechanisms of their overlap remain unclear. Understanding these mechanisms is of vital importance to developing prevention strategies and interventions that target both disorders. Of note, brain reward processing may be relevant to explaining how the comorbidity arises, given pain disorders and MDD can result in maladaptive reward responsivity that limits reward learning, appetitive approach behaviours and consummatory response. In this review, we discuss this research and explore the possibility of reward processing deficits as a common diathesis to explain the manifestation of pain disorders and MDD. Specifically, we hypothesize that contextual physical or psychological events (e.g. surgery, divorce) in the presence of a reward impairment diathesis worsens symptoms and results in a negative feedback loop that increases the chronicity and probability of developing the other disorder. We also highlight the implications for treatment and provide a framework for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina J Rizvi
- Arthur Sommer Rotenberg Suicide and Depression Studies Program, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Wiebke Gandhi
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Salomons
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Rotaru TȘ, Frățilă OC, Bărboi O, Ciortescu I, Mihai C, Anton C, Ștefănescu G, Drug V. A comparison using standardized measures for patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Trust in the gastroenterologist and reliance on the internet. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e13977. [PMID: 32875697 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients' use of the Internet for health information interacts with the way they trust their gastroenterologist. No standardized measure has targeted IBS patients and gastroenterologists specifically, nor their use of the Internet. The aims of this paper were as follows: the development of a scale that measures an IBS patient's trust in their gastroenterologist, the development of a scale measuring an IBS patient's reliance on Internet health information, and testing the hypothesis that IBS patients, who use the Internet for IBS-related information, trust their gastroenterologist less than those who do not. METHOD A total of 82 patients (mean age 49, SD = 14.62) diagnosed with IBS completed two questionnaires: one about trust in their gastroenterologist and the other about the reliance on Internet health information regarding IBS. The two questionnaires were built using current literature as well as our previous qualitative research. The statistical computations were performed using the SPSS 20 program. KEY RESULTS Both questionnaires proved to be reliable in measuring gastroenterologist-IBS patient trust (alpha = 0.87) and Internet information reliance (alpha = 0.88), respectively. The IBS patients who did not look for information about IBS over the Internet had significantly higher trust in their gastroenterologist compared with those who did (U = 535.5; z = -2.26; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We developed two ready-to-use scales to measure both the gastroenterologist-IBS patient's trust and the IBS patient's reliance on the Internet. Further studies will be able to explore the interaction among all variables in IBS patients' trust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oana Bărboi
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Irina Ciortescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Cătălina Mihai
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Carmen Anton
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Gabriela Ștefănescu
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
| | - Vasile Drug
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy «Gr. T. Popa» Iași, Iași, Romania.,Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St Spiridon, Iași, Romania
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10
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Oliviero G, Ruggiero L, D’Antonio E, Gagliardi M, Nunziata R, Di Sarno A, Abbatiello C, Di Feo E, De Vivo S, Santonicola A, Iovino P. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders: Relationship with anxiety and perceived stress. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e14092. [PMID: 33550640 PMCID: PMC7995091 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological stress and anxiety, such those generated by forced quarantine, affect gastrointestinal symptoms course in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Thus, our aim was to assess, in a cohort of patients regularly followed up in a devoted outpatient clinic of Southern Italy, the association between their gastrointestinal symptoms changes, stress, and anxiety reported during the Italian lockdown. METHODS We recruited patients from the outpatient clinic of the University of Salerno, devoted to functional gastrointestinal disorders, selecting only patients for whom an evaluation was available in the last 6 months before the lockdown. Gastrointestinal symptoms were evaluated at each visit through standardized questionnaire and pooled in a database. On 45th days from the beginning of the lockdown, patients were re-assessed by phone with the same questionnaire. Anxiety and stress levels were assessed through a self-administered online questionnaire based on Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 test and Perceived Stress Scale 10 test. KEY RESULTS The intensity-frequency scores of several upper gastrointestinal symptoms improved (Wilcoxon test <0.05). Higher anxiety levels had a higher risk of worsening chest pain (OR 1.3 [1.1-1.7]), waterbrash (OR 1.3 [1.0-1.7]), epigastric burning (OR 1.3 [1.0-1.6]), and abdominal pain (OR 1.6 [1.0-2.3]). When compared to the interval preceding the outbreak, half of the patients declared their symptoms remained unchanged, 13.6% worsened, and 36.4% improved. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES During the COVID-19 quarantine, there was an improvement of the majority of upper gastrointestinal symptoms in our patients, and anxiety seems an important risk of worsening few of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Oliviero
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Luigi Ruggiero
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Elvira D’Antonio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Mario Gagliardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Rubino Nunziata
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Alessandro Di Sarno
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Carmelina Abbatiello
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Elvira Di Feo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Simona De Vivo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Antonella Santonicola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
| | - Paola Iovino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”University of SalernoBaronissiItaly
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11
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Zingone F, Siniscalchi M, Savarino EV, Barberio B, Cingolani L, D'Incà R, De Filippo FR, Camera S, Ciacci C. Perception of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Time of Telemedicine: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19574. [PMID: 33006945 PMCID: PMC7654503 DOI: 10.2196/19574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background After the COVID-19 outbreak, the Italian Government stopped most regular health care activity. As a result, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) had limited access to outpatient clinics and hospitals. Objective This study aimed to analyze the perception of the COVID-19 emergency among patients with IBD during the early weeks of the lockdown. Methods We invited adult patients with IBD from the University of Salerno (Campania, South Italy) and the University of Padua (Veneto, North Italy) by email to answer an ad hoc anonymous survey about COVID-19. We also collected data on demographic and disease characteristics. Results In total, 167 patients with IBD from Padua and 83 patients from Salerno answered the survey (age: mean 39.7 years, SD 13.9 years; female: n=116, 46.4%). We found that patients with IBD were particularly worried about the COVID-19 pandemic (enough: 77/250, 30.8%; much/very much: 140/250, 56.0%), as they felt more vulnerable to COVID-19 due to their condition (enough: 70/250, 28.0%; much/very much: 109/250, 43.6%). Patients with IBD from the red zone of Veneto were more worried than patients from Campania (P=.001), and men felt more susceptible to the virus than women (P=.05). Additionally, remote medicine was appreciated more by younger patients than older patients (P=.04). Conclusions The results of our survey demonstrate that the lockdown had a significant impact on the psychological aspects of patients with IBD and suggest the need for increasing communication with patients with IBD (eg, through telemedicine) to ensure patients receive adequate health care, correct information, and proper psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Zingone
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Monica Siniscalchi
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vincenzo Savarino
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Brigida Barberio
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Linda Cingolani
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Renata D'Incà
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana De Filippo
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
| | - Silvia Camera
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
| | - Carolina Ciacci
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Department of Medicine, Surgery, Dentistry, Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Both acute and chronic pain can disrupt reward processing. Moreover, prolonged prescription opioid use and depressed mood are common in chronic pain samples. Despite the prevalence of these risk factors for anhedonia, little is known about anhedonia in chronic pain populations. METHODS We conducted a large-scale, systematic study of anhedonia in chronic pain, focusing on its relationship with opioid use/misuse, pain severity, and depression. Chronic pain patients across four distinct samples (N = 488) completed the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), measures of opioid use, pain severity and depression, as well as the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM). We used a meta-analytic approach to determine reference levels of anhedonia in healthy samples spanning a variety of countries and diverse age groups, extracting SHAPS scores from 58 published studies totaling 2664 psychiatrically healthy participants. RESULTS Compared to healthy samples, chronic pain patients showed higher levels of anhedonia, with ~25% of patients scoring above the standard anhedonia cut-off. This difference was not primarily driven by depression levels, which explained less than 25% of variance in anhedonia scores. Neither opioid use duration, dose, nor pain severity alone was significantly associated with anhedonia. Yet, there was a clear effect of opioid misuse, with opioid misusers (COMM ⩾13) reporting greater anhedonia than non-misusers. Opioid misuse remained a significant predictor of anhedonia even after controlling for pain severity, depression and opioid dose. CONCLUSIONS Study results suggest that both chronic pain and opioid misuse contribute to anhedonia, which may, in turn, drive further pain and misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Garland
- Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Marie Eikemo
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Gernot Ernst
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
- Kongsberg Hospital, Norway
| | - Siri Leknes
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway
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13
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Skowron K, Kurnik-Łucka M, Dadański E, Bętkowska-Korpała B, Gil K. Backstage of Eating Disorder-About the Biological Mechanisms behind the Symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2604. [PMID: 32867089 PMCID: PMC7551451 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) represents a disorder with the highest mortality rate among all psychiatric diseases, yet our understanding of its pathophysiological components continues to be fragmentary. This article reviews the current concepts regarding AN pathomechanisms that focus on the main biological aspects involving central and peripheral neurohormonal pathways, endocrine function, as well as the microbiome-gut-brain axis. It emerged from the unique complexity of constantly accumulating new discoveries, which hamper the ability to look at the disease in a more comprehensive way. The emphasis is placed on the mechanisms underlying the main symptoms and potential new directions that require further investigation in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Skowron
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta St 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (K.S.); (M.K.-Ł.); (E.D.)
| | - Magdalena Kurnik-Łucka
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta St 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (K.S.); (M.K.-Ł.); (E.D.)
| | - Emil Dadański
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta St 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (K.S.); (M.K.-Ł.); (E.D.)
| | - Barbara Bętkowska-Korpała
- Department of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Institute of Medical Psychology, Jakubowskiego St 2, 30-688 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Gil
- Department of Pathophysiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Czysta St 18, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (K.S.); (M.K.-Ł.); (E.D.)
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14
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Santonicola A, Gagliardi M, Asparago G, Carpinelli L, Angrisani L, Iovino P. Anhedonia and functional dyspepsia in obese patients: Relationship with binge eating behaviour. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:2632-2644. [PMID: 32523316 PMCID: PMC7265144 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i20.2632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obese patients (Ob) with a binge eating disorders (BED) behavior pattern have a higher prevalence of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) compared to Ob without a BED behavior pattern, while an increase of PDS has been described in Ob after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Hedonic response to a meal is dissociable from satiation in healthy subjects. Anhedonia is the lowered ability to experience pleasure. There are no studies investigating the presence of anhedonia in Ob with and without SG and its relationship to PDS symptoms.
AIM To assess the relationship among anhedonia, BED and upper gastrointestinal symptoms in two group of morbidly Ob with and without SG.
METHODS Eighty-one Ob without SG, 45 Ob with SG and 55 healthy controls (HC) were studied. All subjects fulfilled the binge eating scale (BES) to investigate BED, the validated 14 items Snaith-Hamilton pleasure scale (SHAPS) to assess Anhedonia as well as the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI II) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaires to screen for depression and anxiety. All patients underwent a standardized questionnaire investigating the intensity-frequency scores (0-6) of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and were diagnosed for the presence of functional dyspepsia (FD) and its subtypes according to ROME IV criteria.
RESULTS Ob without SG who were positive for BED had a 4.7 higher risk of FD compared to Ob without SG who were negative for BED (OR: 4.7; 95.0%CI 1.23-18.24; P = 0.02). STAI-Y2 scores were significantly higher in Ob without SG positive for BED (42.2 ± 1.5 vs Ob negative for BED: 39.6 ± 1 .0, P = 0.04), while SHAPS scores and BDI II did not differ in the two groups (1.16 ± 1.30 vs 0.89 ± 1.02, P = 0.49). A lower prevalence of BED (BES > 17: 11.4% vs 40.7%, P = 0.001) and BDI-II (6.8 ± 1.2 vs 13.8 ± 1.9, P = 0.005) was reported in Ob with SG than Ob without SG, on the contrary total mean scores of STAI-Y1 and STAI-Y2 were significantly higher in Ob with SG than Ob without SG. Thirty-five percent of Ob with SG fulfilled the diagnosis of FD. SHAPS mean scores and the prevalence of anhedonia did not differ among the two groups (18.2 vs 8.1%, P = 0.2). Fifty-four percent of Ob with SG achieved surgical success excess weight loss > 50%. Excess weight loss was negatively related to SHAPS total mean scores [adjusted B: -7. 099 (95%CI: -13.91 to -0.29), P = 0.04].
CONCLUSION Ob without SG showed a higher prevalence of PDS, mood disorders and anxiety when positive for BE behavior compared to those negative for BE behavior, whereas no differences were found in SHAPS score. Ob with SG showed a higher prevalence of PDS compared to Ob without SG. Concerning psychological aspect, BED and depression are less frequent in the Ob with SG, while both state and trait anxiety are significantly higher. Moreover, the more an Ob with SG is anhedonic, less surgical success was achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Santonicola
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi 84081, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Gagliardi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi 84081, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giovanni Asparago
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi 84081, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luna Carpinelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi 84081, Salerno, Italy
| | - Luigi Angrisani
- General and Endoscopic Surgery Unit, San Giovanni Bosco Hospital, Naples 80100, Italy
| | - Paola Iovino
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi 84081, Salerno, Italy
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15
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Managing Pain and Psychosocial Care in IBD: a Primer for the Practicing Gastroenterologist. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2020; 22:20. [PMID: 32185521 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-020-0757-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review focuses on the relationship between trauma and pain in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and offers effective treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Recent evidence points to bidirectional pathways between psychiatric disorders and IBD. The impact of trauma and development of post-traumatic stress symptoms on IBD disease course is beginning to be appreciated including its relationship with pain. First-line treatments for both psychiatric and chronic pain disorders include behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and mindfulness, and there is emerging evidence studying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and telehealth interventions. Pharmacological treatments using neuromodulators can also be beneficial. An integrated care team, such as a subspecialty medical home model, can provide the best patient experience and address comprehensive care needs efficiently and effectively. Psychosocial factors impact IBD course and necessitate effective management. Despite the significant limitations of research, particularly lack of clinical trials examining behavioral and pharmacotherapy interventions in IBD, effective treatments exist and are best utilized in an integrated care setting.
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16
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Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Diseases. Nutrients 2019. [PMID: 31842421 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123038.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders (ED) are frequently associated with a wide range of psychiatric or somatic comorbidities. The most relevant ED are anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorders (BED). Patients with ED exhibit both upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Evidence of alterations throughout the GI tract in ED will be analyzed given the role of the GI tract in food intake and its regulation. It remains a matter of debate whether GI disorders are inherent manifestations of ED or the results of malnutrition occurring from ED. Moreover, recent clinical studies have highlighted the growing role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of ED, making it possible to hypothesize a modulation of intestinal microbiota as a co-adjuvant to standard therapy. The aim of this review is to analyze the link between ED and GI diseases and to present, where known, the potential key factors underlying these conditions. Conclusions: The presence of GI disorders should be investigated in patients with ED. Screening for ED should also be encouraged in individuals seeking treatment for unexplained GI complaints to better address therapeutic issues that surround these difficult medical conditions.
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17
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Santonicola A, Gagliardi M, Guarino MPL, Siniscalchi M, Ciacci C, Iovino P. Eating Disorders and Gastrointestinal Diseases. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11123038. [PMID: 31842421 PMCID: PMC6950592 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders (ED) are frequently associated with a wide range of psychiatric or somatic comorbidities. The most relevant ED are anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorders (BED). Patients with ED exhibit both upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Evidence of alterations throughout the GI tract in ED will be analyzed given the role of the GI tract in food intake and its regulation. It remains a matter of debate whether GI disorders are inherent manifestations of ED or the results of malnutrition occurring from ED. Moreover, recent clinical studies have highlighted the growing role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of ED, making it possible to hypothesize a modulation of intestinal microbiota as a co-adjuvant to standard therapy. The aim of this review is to analyze the link between ED and GI diseases and to present, where known, the potential key factors underlying these conditions. Conclusions: The presence of GI disorders should be investigated in patients with ED. Screening for ED should also be encouraged in individuals seeking treatment for unexplained GI complaints to better address therapeutic issues that surround these difficult medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Santonicola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.S.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Mario Gagliardi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.S.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Monica Siniscalchi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.S.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Carolina Ciacci
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.S.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
| | - Paola Iovino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy; (A.S.); (M.G.); (M.S.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-089965030/+39-3357822672
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