Clinical outcomes of patients seen by psychiatrists in a multidisciplinary clinic for disorders of gut-brain interaction
- Author(s)
- Dendrinos, E; Kim, H; Hubik, D; Green, J; Yang, L; Stanley, A; Salzberg, M; Kamm, MA; Basnayake, C;
- Journal Title
- Internal Medicine Journal
- Publication Type
- Online publication before print
- Abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) presenting to specialist care have a high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity. Psychiatrists can provide effective treatments for these disorders; however, care is rarely delivered in an integrated manner. AIMS: This study aimed to characterise patients seen by psychiatrists in a multidisciplinary gastrointestinal (GI) clinic, describe the treatment provided and examine clinical outcomes. METHODS: In a single-centre multidisciplinary gastroenterology clinic, clinical records were retrospectively evaluated for patients with DGBIs seen by a psychiatrist. Patient demographics, medical and psychiatric history, records of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult trauma were collected. GI and mental health symptom outcomes were assessed using a five-point scale. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients (median age, 35 years; 77% female) were seen by the psychiatrist (median treatment duration 2.5 months) between January 2017 and November 2021. Fifty-six per cent had irritable bowel syndrome and 18% had functional dyspepsia. Common psychiatric comorbidities were anxiety (51%) and depression (43%). Seventy-seven per cent had a history of ACEs and 26% had a history of sexual trauma. Seventy-five per cent had previously seen a psychiatrist or psychologist. DGBI-Clinic psychiatrists provided a range of treatments including psychoeducation (64%), insight-oriented psychotherapy (39%), medication changes (27%) and cognitive behavioural therapy (19%). A majority of patients had improvement (46%) or resolution (11%) in GI symptoms. Forty per cent experienced improvement in mental health symptoms. Improvement in GI and mental health symptoms were correlated (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with DGBI who were seen by psychiatrists within a multidisciplinary clinic demonstrated improvement in GI and mental health symptoms.
- Keywords
- functional gastrointestinal disorders; integrated care; irritable bowel syndrome; psychiatry; psychosomatic disorders
- Department(s)
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.70134
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.70134- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
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Creation Date: 2025-07-22 06:23:48
Last Modified: 2025-07-22 06:25:04