The diagnostic criteria for psychosomatic research-revised (DCPR-R) in a National China multicenter cohort of patients with irritable bowel syndrome and overlapping gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Background and aims: Past studies have shown a substantial overlap between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study investigated the prevalence of DCPR-revised (DCPR-R) syndromes in patients with IBS alone and those with overlapping IBS-GERD. We also explored the relationship of these syndromes with various psychological scales.

Methods: In total, 341 patients from the Chinese IBS cohort completed the GerdQ scale and a series of psychological questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to evaluate DCPR-R, as well as scores on the Psychosocial Index (PSI), Psychosomatic Symptom Scale (PSSS), World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-being Index, Euthymia Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale.

Results: Compared with patients with IBS alone, patients with overlapping IBS-GERD had a significantly higher prevalence of DCPR-R syndromes, particularly in areas such as demoralization, persistent somatization, despair-related demoralization, hypochondriasis, disease phobia, anniversary reaction, thanatophobia, and conversion symptoms. Patients with two or more types of DCPR-R syndromes were more likely to exhibit psychological disorders. In patients with IBS alone, the WHO-5 Well-being Index and PSI well-being scores were predictive of two or more DCPR-R syndromes. For patients with overlapping IBS-GERD, the PSSS score was an independent predictor.

Conclusion: This study highlights key differences in psychosomatic factors between patients with IBS alone and those with overlapping IBS-GERD. The DCPR-R syndromes and various psychological scales offer valuable tools for diagnosing and assessing these differences.