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. 2017 Feb 21;23(7):1298-1309.
doi: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i7.1298.

Psychological controversies in gastroparesis: A systematic review

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Psychological controversies in gastroparesis: A systematic review

Sally Woodhouse et al. World J Gastroenterol. .

Abstract

Aim: To systematically review literature addressing three key psychologically-oriented controversies associated with gastroparesis.

Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases was performed to identify literature addressing the relationship between gastroparesis and psychological factors. Two researchers independently screened all references. Inclusion criteria were: an adult sample of gastroparesis patients, a quantitative methodology, and at least one of the following: (1) evaluation of the prevalence of psychopathology; (2) an outcome measure of anxiety, depression, or quality of life; and (3) evidence of a psychological intervention. Case studies, review articles, and publications in languages other than English were excluded from the current review.

Results: Prevalence of psychopathology was evaluated by three studies (n = 378), which found that combined anxiety/depression was present in 24% of the gastroparesis cohort, severe anxiety in 12.4%, depression in 21.8%-23%, and somatization in 50%. Level of anxiety and depression was included as an outcome measure in six studies (n = 1408), and while limited research made it difficult to determine the level of anxiety and depression in the cohort, a clear positive relationship with gastroparesis symptom severity was evident. Quality of life was included as an outcome measure in 11 studies (n = 2076), with gastroparesis patients reporting lower quality of life than population norms, and a negative relationship between quality of life and symptom severity. One study assessed the use of a psychological intervention for gastroparesis patients (n = 120) and found that depression and gastric function were improved in patients who received psychological intervention, however the study had considerable methodological limitations.

Conclusion: Gastroparesis is associated with significant psychological distress and poor quality of life. Recommendations for future studies and the development of psychological interventions are provided.

Keywords: Anxiety; Depression; Gastroparesis; Psychological distress; Quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicting interests to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram, from Moher et al[45]. For more information, visit www.prisma-statement.org.

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