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The relationship between dyspepsia and psychiatric comorbidity such as anxiety and depression is poorly defined.
Previous studies have been limited by lack of standardised diagnostic criteria.
Dr Yu and colleagues from China examined the prevalence and comorbidity of dyspepsia as defined by Rome III with DSM-IV-TR generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive episodes in the general population.
A random population-based telephone survey was done using a questionnaire on symptoms of Rome III Dyspepsia, DSM-IV-TR generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive episodes and their chronological relationship.
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| Dyspeptic subjects had a 3-fold increased risk of major depressive episodes |
| Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics |
Of the 2011 respondents, 8% currently had Rome III Dyspepsia, 4% reported generalized anxiety disorder, and 12% reported major depressive episodes respectively.
The team observed that dyspeptic subjects had a 2-fold increased risk of generalized anxiety disorder, and a 3-fold increased risk of major depressive episodes.
The researchers observed that major depressive episodes, and generalized anxiety disorder most often coincided with dyspepsia in onset.
Dyspepsia, major depressive episodes, and female sex independently predicted frequent medical consultations.
The team found that generalized anxiety disorder independently predicted high investigation expenditure.
Dr Yu's team concludes, "With stringently adopted Rome III and DSM-IV-TR criteria, dyspepsia was strongly associated and often coincident in onset with generalised anxiety disorder and major depressive episodes in the community."
"Excessive healthcare utilization should alert clinicians to risk of psychiatric comorbidity."
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