10 Are psychosocial factors of aetiological importance in functional dyspepsia?

The causes of functional dyspepsia remain unclear. Research has linked other functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome, to a history of physical or sexual abuse, psychosocial distress and certain psychiatric disorders. In functional dyspepsia, there is a possibility of certain psychiatric disorders, particularly alcohol abuse and eating disorders, indirectly influencing the development of functional dyspepsia-like symptoms. However, the literature on possible psychosocial correlates in functional dyspepsia is not as mature as the literature on irritable bowel syndrome. This paper critically reviews the psychosocial dimensions and implications for the psychotherapeutic treatment of functional dyspepsia.