Psychosomatic symptoms in Saudi patients with irritable bowel syndrome

ABSTRACT

Out of 420 patients attending a gastroenterology clinic in Reyadh, S.A, 140 patients were diagnosed as having irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]. The diagnosis has been based upon the complaint of chronic abdominal pain with or without disturbed bowel functions, and the exclusion of organic disease. Upper and lower fibro-optic endoscopy were performed for all the patients in addition to other investigations when indicated. Somatic and psychoneurotic symptoms were evaluated according to standard scales. This result showed that IBS represented one third of patients having gastrointestinal diseases. Females represented 60% of the study group. Most of the patients were above 30 years of age and only a small number was under this age. This is different from the experience in the developed world, possibly due to the early simple, peaceful, less stressful life in S.A. Abdominal pain syndrome was present in all patients, disturbed bowel functions in 90%, indigestion in 97.1%, and dyspepsia in 80% of the study group. Anxiety syndrome was present in 80%, neurasthenia in 70% and depression in 60% of the patients. This indicates that somatic and psychoneurotic symptoms are present in IBS patients and a combination of antispasmodics, anxiolytic / antidepressants and even psychotherapy may be needed for controlling their symptoms