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. 2024 Jul 10:9:42.
doi: 10.21037/tgh-23-124. eCollection 2024.

Scoping review: the social and emotional impacts of gastroparesis

Madison Simons  1 , Michael Cline  1
Affiliations

Scoping review: the social and emotional impacts of gastroparesis

Madison Simons et al. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol. .

Abstract

Background: Patients with gastroparesis experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, early satiety, excessive fullness and bloating that can have significant negative effects on their mood, relationship with food/eating, and overall quality of life. The aim of this review was to systematically explore the literature on the social and emotional burdens experienced by patients with gastroparesis.

Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were used to identify potential articles for inclusion. The population of interest was those with abnormal gastric emptying. Studies were excluded if they focused on the effects of a particular treatment for gastroparesis. Thirty-one articles were included based on search criteria.

Results: Three themes emerged, including healthcare utilization and opioid use, relationship between gastroparesis and mental health, and the impact of gastroparesis on lifestyle factors including sleep, nutrition, and social engagement. Patients experience challenges from a perceived lack of understanding of medical providers and loved ones and difficult to manage symptoms. Symptom specific anxiety, underlying psychiatric history, and symptom severity are associated with distress around symptoms. Self-reported symptom severity and severity of gastric emptying are not highly correlated.

Conclusions: Patients with acute onset and gradually worsening of symptoms over time are likely at increased risk of distress related to their disease. Patients commonly experience isolation from their medical providers and in other social relationships. Treatments aimed not only at reducing the severity of symptoms but also helping patients with gastroparesis engage with the enjoyed aspects of life are essential in mitigating the social and emotional impacts of gastroparesis.

Keywords: Gastroparesis; healthcare utilization; mental health; nutrition; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: Both authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://tgh.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/tgh-23-124/coif). The series “Social and Emotional Impacts of Chronic Digestive Diseases” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. M.S. reported payment from Tuesday Night IBS. M.C. reported funding from Atmo and payment from Kate Farms. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA diagram reflecting article review process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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