For a recent study (the COMFORT study), researchers investigated the connection between functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), depression, and anxiety. Participants provided biological samples and filled out questionnaires on various lifestyle aspects and their mental health. Statistical analyses were done to determine independent significant effects on anxiety and depression. The study concluded that of the 315 participants (average age 53, 70% female), FGID cases were more likely to exhibit anxiety and depression compared to controls. Specifically, lower economic living standards were linked to depression, while both lower economic living status and abdominal pain were related to anxiety. Researchers emphasized that recognizing these factors could offer new directions for treatment and interventions.
Reference: M H S, P E H, C F, et al. Economic living standard and abdominal pain mediate the association between functional gastrointestinal disorders and depression or anxiety. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2023 Jan;35(1):e14465. doi: 10.1111/nmo.14465. Epub 2022 Sep 25. PMID: 36153804; PMCID: PMC10078407.
