Relationship between personality type and functional gastrointestinal disorders

A person's personality is described as individual qualities and/or traits that influence emotions, thoughts and behavior. A person's personality also influences thoughts and feelings and can be influenced by heredity and environment.

The term Brain-Gut Axis (BGA) can be translated as the interaction between the brain, the central nervous system and the digestive tract's own nervous system, the enteric nervous system. In both healthy and diseased states, there is communication between the central and enteric nervous systems. Through this communication, the brain is influenced by the signals from the intestines and can subsequently adjust the mood and feedback regulation of intestinal movements, secretion and immune function. BGA can be affected by behavioral and cognitive processes, such as stress, anxiety and nervousness.

The symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) include increased sensitivity to stress and are thought to stem from a dysfunctional BGA.

Psychological and social changes are prominent features of FGIDs, but whether these factors are characteristic of the clinical picture in FGIDs or in certain subgroups is questionable. Investigating personality types in FGIDs is valuable for understanding the development of symptoms and for health professionals to identify and respond appropriately to patient needs.

Researchers

Kerstin Stake-Nilsson, University of Gävle