Psychometric scores and persistence of irritable bowel after infectious diarrhoea

K. A. Gwee, J. C. Graham, M. W. McKendrick, S. M. Collins, J. S. Marshall, S. J. Walters, N. W. Read

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

482 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Although previous studies have shown that psychological disturbances are frequently associated with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the relation was not necessarily cause and effect. The development of chronic bowel symptoms resembling IBS after an episode of acute gastroenteritis has allowed us to examine prospectively the role of psychological factors. Methods: 75 patients with acute gastroenteritis completed a series of psychometric tests soon after admission to hospital. Of these, 22 had persistent symptoms compatible with IBS after the acute illness, and in 20 of these the symptoms were still present at six months. Findings: At the time of their initial illness, patients who subsequently developed IBS symptoms had higher scores for anxiety, depression, somatisation, and neurotic trait than those who returned to normal bowel function. The psychometric scores had not changed when remeasured three months after the acute illness. Lactose malabsorption was not an important factor. Interpretation: These results support the hypothesis that psychological factors are important in IBS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-153
Number of pages4
JournalThe Lancet
Volume347
Issue number8995
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 20 1996
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the MRC for financial support.

Funding Information:
The study was supported by a grant from the Special Trustees for the Former United Sheffield Hospitals. K A G is in receipt of a scholarship from the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Medicine

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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