Cultivating Insights into Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID): A Cross-National Study

Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD) are common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs) with profound effects on quality of life and healthcare utilization. Stemming from disruptions in GI functioning, they result in persistent gastrointestinal symptoms exacerbated by maladaptive behaviours and psychosocial factors. Despite their impact, research on the psychosocial experiences associated with FGIDs, particularly IBS and FD, is limited. This study aims to explore the correlation between FGIDs and social anxiety, agoraphobia, guilt, shame, loneliness, and emotional regulation, as well as differences between IBS and FD in psychosocial experiences. Methods: A correlational study involving Italian and American samples of individuals with FGIDs was conducted from February 2024. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected, and psychological assessments were administered, including the Italian Social Phobia Inventory, Agoraphobia Severity Assessment Scale, Lubben Social Network Scale – 6, Personal Feelings Questionnaire, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and State Shame & Guilt Scale. Results: 458 persons with FGIDs (7.86% male) aged 25 to 40 were recruited. Diagnoses included IBS-M (25.7%), IBS-D (17.9%), IBS-C (13.6%), Unspecified Functional Intestinal Disorder (4.2%), Functional Abdominal Bloating/Distension (3.3%), FD (2.2%), and Functional Nausea and Vomiting (0.2%). High prevalence of social phobia (62.3%) and agoraphobia (74.5%), along with social isolation (57%), was observed. Contrary to expectations, cognitive reappraisal was more prevalent than expressive suppression. Shame was common, especially related to gastrointestinal symptoms, while guilt was low. Discussion: Findings suggest interconnected cycles of social phobia, agoraphobia, isolation, shame, and guilt in FGIDs, influenced by emotional regulation. Understanding these factors is crucial for comprehensive treatment, emphasizing the need to address emotional regulation and maladaptive coping mechanisms to alleviate psychological distress and symptom exacerbation. Comprehensive treatment approaches for FGIDs should prioritize addressing emotional regulation skills and targeting maladaptive coping mechanisms to break the cycle of psychological distress and symptom exacerbation.