Overlapping Influence the Psychoemotional Profile among Children with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Abstract

The aim of our study was to assess the psycho-emotional state of children with irritable bowel syndrome. Materials and Methods: We examined 40 children aged 6 to 17 years with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The intensity of abdominal pain was determined using a five-point visual analogue scale. The levels of social adaptation, resistance to stress, anxiety and self-esteem and vegetative tone were determined. As a control, 40 practically healthy children of the same age were examined. Results: The high level of anxiety in children with IBS manifestations was observed in 60% of cases vs. 10% of respondents from the control group (χ2=46.9; p<0.001). The highest levels of anxiety and psychosomatic maladjustment were found in patients with overlapping FGID, which were diagnosed in 65.0% of children. The correlation was determined (r=0.78; p<0.001) between the level of anxiety in patients with overlapping FGID and the severity of pain. The self-esteem of children with IBS was often underestimated and significantly differed from the self-esteem of healthy children (χ2=101.9; p<0.001). The correlation (r= -0.41 p<0.01) between self-esteem of children with overlapping FGID and severity of pain was determined. The majority of children with IBS (55.0%) had increased autonomic reactivity. At the same time, the severity of constipation correlated with sympathicotonia (r=0.82, p<0.05). Conclusion: The condition of patients with FGID and overlap syndrome is characterized by signs of psychosomatic disorientation and instability to stress. Anxiety and pain levels in patients with FGID overlapping were closely correlated.