Influence of Experimentally Induced Anxiety on Gastric Sensorimotor Function in Humans

Influence of Experimentally Induced Anxiety on Gastric Sensorimotor Function in Humans

Background & Aims: Unexplained dyspeptic symptoms are associated with changes in gastric sensorimotor function and several psychopathologic dimensions, including anxiety. It is unclear whether this reflects common predisposition or a causal relationship. The aim of this study was to investigate...

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Published in:Gastroenterology (New York, N.Y. 1943) Vol. 129; no. 5; pp. 1437 - 1444
Main Authors: Geeraerts, Brecht, Vandenberghe, Joris, Van Oudenhove, Lukas, Gregory, Lloyd J., Aziz, Quasim, DuPont, Patrick, Demyttenaere, Koen, Janssens, Jozef, Tack, Jan
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-11-2005
Subjects:
Adult
Anxiety - physiopathology
Dyspepsia - etiology
Dyspepsia - physiopathology
Dyspepsia - psychology
Eating
Fasting - physiology
Fasting - psychology
Female
Gastric Emptying - physiology
Humans
Male
Motor Neurons - physiology
Neurons, Afferent - physiology
Pressure
Stomach - innervation
Stomach - physiology
MDP
VAS
STAI
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Summary:Background & Aims: Unexplained dyspeptic symptoms are associated with changes in gastric sensorimotor function and several psychopathologic dimensions, including anxiety. It is unclear whether this reflects common predisposition or a causal relationship. The aim of this study was to investigate whether experimentally induced anxiety would alter gastric sensorimotor function in health. Methods: Fourteen subjects underwent a gastric barostat study to assess gastric sensitivity and accommodation. Eighteen subjects underwent a 10-minute satiety drinking test (30 mL/min) with registration of epigastric symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at 2-minute intervals. Emotional context was modulated for 10 minutes at the start of each experiment by combined projection of validated facial expressions and an audiotape recalling a neutral or an anxious autobiographical experience. Anxiety levels were assessed using a VAS and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: VAS and STAI scores confirmed efficacy of anxiety induction. During the anxiety condition, gastric compliance was significantly decreased (57 ± 5 vs 40 ± 5 mL/mm Hg; P < .01). Intraballoon pressures inducing discomfort during gastric distention were not altered, but the corresponding volume (630 ± 47 vs 489 ± 39 mL; P < .005) was significantly lower. Meal-induced relaxation was inhibited during the anxiety condition and this persisted for the 60-minute measurement (157 ± 29 vs 100 ± 24 mL; P < .05). During the satiety drinking test, the anxiety condition was associated with significantly higher scores for satiety, fullness, and bloating. Conclusions: Experimentally induced anxiety alters gastric sensorimotor function, suggesting that psychological factors may play a causal role in the pathogenesis of some dyspeptic symptoms and mechanisms.
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ISSN:0016-5085
1528-0012
DOI:10.1053/j.gastro.2005.08.020