Associations between functional gastrointestinal disorders and mental health in children and adolescents : A systematic review

Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) represent a varying group of conditions characterized by chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating. These disorders are relatively common among children and adolescents, and there are several research examining their impact on comorbidities and overall health in pediatric patients. Studies consistently demonstrate that children with FGIDs are more likely to exhibit psychiatric symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, compared to healthy peers. The association between FGIDs and psychiatric symptoms may be explained in part by shared pathophysiological mechanisms and the overall burden of disease. Both FGIDs and psychiatric disorders are associated with reduced quality of life, increased school absences, and greater psychosocial burden on families and society.

This systematic review aims to examine the literature on the relationship between FGIDs and mental health in pediatric populations. A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed database, focusing on the studies that investigated associations between predefined subtypes of FGIDs and various domains of mental health. Inclusion criteria required studies to be published in the 2000s, to diagnose both FGIDs and psychiatric disorders using structured methods, and to include participants between 1 and 18 years. A total of 28 articles meeting these criteria were included in the review.

The main finding of this review is that FGIDs and mental health are frequently associated with pediatric patients. The strongest association was reported in studies focusing on the current association, whereas prospective studies reported more variable results, suggesting that the strength of the association may fluctuate over time. These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and integrated care approaches that address both gastrointestinal and mental health symptoms in children and adolescents.