Psychopathology is associated with dyspeptic symptom severity in primary care patients with a new episode of dyspepsia

Personality and psychiatric disorders are reported to be more common in dyspeptic patients with severe complaints, but it remains unclear whether this association exists for patients with mild and moderate dyspepsia. To study the association between dyspeptic symptom severity and psychopathology, major life events and coping ability in patients with a new episode of dyspepsia. Dyspeptic symptom severity was measured using the validated eight symptom Veldhuyzen van Zanten questionnaire. Psychopathology was measured using the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL 90). Major life events were measured with a modified version of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Coping styles were measured by a short version of the Utrecht Coping Questionnaire, distinguishing six coping styles. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between dyspepsia symptom severity and psychological factors. In all, 664 patients with a new episode of uninvestigated dyspepsia, aged > 18 years were included. Dyspeptic symptom severity was positively correlated with the presence of depression (P < 0.01), somatization symptoms (P < 0.01), use of an active coping style (P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with age (P < 0.01). Primary care patients consulting with dyspepsia have higher levels of depression and somatization especially at younger age. An active coping style is associated with dyspepsia symptom severity.