Spectrum And Utilization Of Psychiatric Medications In Gastroenterology Patients: A Study Of 1000 Cases In North India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i4.247Keywords:
Irritable bowel syndrome, Gut brain axis, Ulcerative Colitis, Psychiatric disorders, Somatoform disorder, Depression.Abstract
Background: The overlap between gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and psychiatric co-morbidities has been well-documented, yet the spectrum and utilization of psychiatric medications in gastroenterology patients remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the use of psychiatric medications in a cohort of gastroenterology patients in Kashmir (North India) and to assess the relationship between psychiatric conditions and gastrointestinal disorders.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,000 patients attending gastroenterology outpatient clinics in Kashmir (North India) between January 2019 and December 2023. Data was collected from patient medical records, including demographics, GI diagnoses (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic liver disease), and psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., anxiety, depression). Psychiatric medication use (antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics) was documented. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed to identify trends and associations.
Results: Of the 1,000 patients, 32% (n = 320) were found to have psychiatric co-morbidities. Among these, 45% (n = 144) were prescribed psychiatric medications. The most commonly prescribed medications included selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (34%), benzodiazepines (28%), and atypical antipsychotics (18%). The most frequent psychiatric diagnoses in this cohort were anxiety disorders (52%), followed by depressive disorders (38%). A significant correlation was found between the severity of GI symptoms (especially in IBS and IBD patients) and the use of psychiatric medications (p < 0.01). Female patients were more likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications compared to males (58% vs. 42%, p < 0.05). Additionally, patients with more complex or chronic GI conditions, such as cirrhosis or Crohn’s disease, had higher rates of psychiatric medication use.
Conclusion: Psychiatric co-morbidities are common in gastroenterology patients, with a significant portion being prescribed psychiatric medications. This study underscores the need for integrated care models addressing both gastrointestinal and psychiatric needs, particularly in patients with chronic and severe GI disorders. Future research should explore the impact of psychiatric medications on the management of GI symptoms and patient quality of life.
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