Psychological Factors in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Measured by SCL-90-R Questionnaire

Background An association between psychological factors and gastroesophageal reflux disease has been recognized. Psychological distress can influence the outcomes of the disease. Aims To determine the existence of psychological factors in our gastroesophageal reflux disease sample, as well as determine their influence on the outcome of the disease and treatment response. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed from February 2006 to December 2007. Patients referred to gastrointestinal specialists who reported symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux were asked to fill out the SCL-90-R questionnaire. All underwent endoscopy and pH-metry studies. Results Fifty-five patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were analyzed. Subjects with reflux symptoms had higher scores compared to healthy controls on sommatization, obsessiveness, interpersonal sensitivity, being phobic, being psychotic, and the global index (P < 0.05). Patients with high frequency of symptoms and long duration of disease have increased psychological distress. There was no relationship among pH-metry results, endoscopy findings, and SCL-90-R scores. Conclusions Psychosocial factors can predispose to gastroesophageal reflux disease. The SCL-90-R questionnaire can be useful in investigating psychological factors in those patients with unsuccessful outcome of the symptoms despite correct management.