Abstract

Studies of dyspepsia show a 1% to 2% prevalence in adults, and 25% to 40% of these patients do not have a physical reason for their symptoms. These findings prompted us to do a retrospective follow-up study of 390 patients having motility studies for chest pain and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms; 278 (71%) responded. Patients were asked to complete a self-rating symptom questionnaire regarding current GI symptoms and current symptoms of anxiety, panic, and depression; they were also asked to complete the Brief Symptom Inventory. Two groups were compared—those with known heart disease and those without heart disease. Substantial numbers of patients in both groups satisfied criteria for generalized anxiety disorders (>70%), panic disorder (>30%), and major depression (>35%). GI symptoms compatible with nonulcer dyspepsia were strongly associated with a psychiatric diagnosis. Our data suggest that anxiety and depressive states are strongly associated with dyspepsia and other GI symptoms not caused by ulcer disease.