A primer for the gastroenterology provider on psychosocial assessment of patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction

Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2024 Dec;36(12):e14894. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14894. Epub 2024 Aug 12.

Abstract

Background: GI-specific psychological factors are important contributors to patients' symptom experience and quality of life across all disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Clinicians' ability to recognize the role of these psychological factors is essential for formulating a biopsychosocial case conceptualization and informing treatment decisions.

Purpose: This article will familiarize gastroenterology providers with conceptualizing the role of GI-specific psychological factors in DGBI and provides stepwise, practical guidance for how to assess these during clinical encounters in a time-efficient manner.

Keywords: biopsychosocial model; disorders of gut‐brain interaction; functional dyspepsia; functional heartburn; illness behaviors; irritable bowel syndrome; patient‐provider relationship; symptom‐specific anxiety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain-Gut Axis* / physiology
  • Gastroenterology / methods
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / psychology
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life