https://www.opastpublishers.com/peer-review/psychopathological-characteristics-in-patients-with-digestive-problems-a-comparative-analysis-with-a-healthy-control-gro-6296.html

Javanmard, G. H., & Javanmard, S. (2023). Psychopathological Characteristics in Patients with Digestive Problems: A Comparative Analysis with a Healthy Control Group. Journal of Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, 8(5), 212-218.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the psychopathological characteristics of patients with digestive (gastrointestinal) problems with those of a healthy control group. 

Methods: A total of 70 patients with gastrointestinal issues were referred to the gastroenterology department, and 70 healthy individuals were included in the study. Both groups completed the 90-question mental health questionnaire (SCL-90-R).

Results: The results demonstrated significantly higher average scores in the patients’ group across various scales, including depression, aggression, somatization, sensitivity in social relationships, obsession, anxiety, phobia, and psychotic symptoms. Overall, the group with digestive problems exhibited more symptoms associated with these eight mental disorders than the healthy control group. However, there were no notable differences between the two groups, except for the presence of paranoid ideations as a distinguishing characteristic.

Conclusions: This research unequivocally establishes a strong association between gastrointestinal issues and mental well-being, highlighting the influence of digestive system functioning on mental health. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychopathological aspects related to gastrointestinal condition

https://karger.com/vis/article-abstract/40/6/325/916641/Gastrointestinal-Motility-Function-and-Dysfunction?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Patejdl, R. (2024). Gastrointestinal Motility Function and Dysfunction in the Elderly Patient: What Are the Effects of Aging?. Visceral Medicine, 40(6), 324-329.

Background: The prevalence of neurogastroenterological diseases, i.e., disorders of gut brain interaction, has increased over the last decades. Altered gastrointestinal (GI) motility is a key feature of this group of diseases and is affecting all anatomical segments of the GI tract, ranging from swallowing disorders to fecal incontinence. Considering the ongoing demographic transformation in developed countries worldwide, it is highly relevant to understand the age-dependency of motility disorders per se and its pathophysiological mechanisms with a special focus on neurodegeneration. This review summarizes the most relevant findings and open research questions in the field of age-dependent changes in GI motility with a strong focus on studies performed on humans or with biological material obtained from humans.

Summary: While the basic function of the GI tract including motility in most of its segments is largely unaltered by aging per se, there is clear evidence supporting an age-dependent increase in the prevalence of constipation and fecal incontinence, the latter mainly affecting women. When, however, the large percentage of elderly patients suffering from frequent chronic diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or cerebrovascular disease are included, a clear increase in “secondary” motility disorders also affecting the esophagus or the stomach is evident. Studies regarding the pathophysiology of geriatric dysmotility are often limited by the heterogenous clinical history of the studied patients and by coincident impairments of interoceptive sensory function. However, a loss in the number of cholinergic neurons together with changes in the number of interstitial cells of Cajal, certain subtypes of enteric glia, changes in immune cell function, and changes in the endocrine signaling throughout the GI tract have been reported.

Key Messages: The overall prevalence of swallowing disorders, impaired gastric emptying, constipation and fecal incontinence is high among elderly patients. The pathophysiology most likely includes a variety of factors ranging from degeneration of enteric neurons and the non-neuronal cell populations involved in GI motility up to age-dependent metabolic and neuroendocrine changes and dietary factors. Deciphering the effects of “healthy aging” but also of the numerous typical chronic diseases of the elderly on GI motility is an ongoing challenge and prerequisite for improving patients’ medical care and quality of life. 

https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/cnsnddt/10.2174/0118715273289138240306050532

Andriolo, I. R., Longo, B., de Melo, D. M., de Souza, M. M., Prediger, R. D., & da Silva, L. M. (2024). Gastrointestinal issues in depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review on pathways and clinical targets implications. CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets-CNS & Neurological Disorders), 23(11), 1371-1391.

Introduction: Multiple illnesses commonly involve both the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI) simultaneously. Consistent evidence suggests that neurological disorders impair GI tract function and worsen the symptomatology and pathophysiology of digestive disorders. On the other hand, it has been proposed that early functional changes in the GI tract contribute to the genesis of several CNS illnesses. Additionally, the role played by the gut in these diseases can be seen as a paradigm for how the gut and the brain interact.

Methods: We mentioned significant GI symptoms and discussed how the GI tract affects central nervous system illnesses, including depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease in this study. We also explored potential pathophysiological underpinnings and novel targets for the creation of future therapies targeted at gut-brain connections.

Results & Discussion: In this situation, modulating the gut microbiota through the administration of fecal microbiota transplants or probiotics may represent a new therapeutic option for this population, not only to treat GI problems but also behavioral problems, given the role that dysbiosis and leaky gut play in many neurological disorders.

Conclusion: Accurate diagnosis and treatment of co-existing illnesses also require coordination between psychiatrists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialties, as well as a thorough history and thorough physical examination.