Are psychosocial factors of aetiological importance in functional dyspepsia?

The causes of functional dyspepsia remain unclear. Research has linked othe r functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndr ome, to a history of physical or sexual abuse, psychosocial distress and ce rtain psychiatric disorders. In functional dyspepsia, there is a possibilit y of certain psychiatric disorders, particularly alcohol abuse and eating d isorders, indirectly influencing the development of functional dyspepsia-li ke symptoms. However, the literature on possible psychosocial correlates in functional dyspepsia is not as mature as the literature on irritable bowel syndrome. This paper critically reviews the psychosocial dimensions and im plications for the psychotherapeutic treatment of functional dyspepsia.