Comparing anxiety sensitivity and metacognition beliefs in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and coronary heart diseases; acase-control study

Fatemeh Zargar,Mina Kavoosi

doi:10.12740/app/127308

Abstract

Aim of the studyTwo important diseases related to Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition (PFAMC) are Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD). Relation between PFAMC and new psychological factors is still unknown. The present study aimed to compare anxiety sensitivity (AS) and metacognition beliefs in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, coronary heart diseases and healthy individuals in Isfahan, Iran.Subject or material and methodsThis case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with IBS and 50 patients with CHD who diagnosed by cardiologists and gastroenterologists and 50 healthy individuals were matched by the same demographic variables (Gender, Education level, Marital status, Occupational status). The data collection tools consisted of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI) and Metacognition Questionnaire- 30 items (MCQ-30). The data were analyzed using Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).ResultsThe results showed CHD group has more significant physical concerns and mental incapacitation concerns compare to IBS and control groups. It means CHD patients have more fear of physical symptoms related to anxiety (such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, trembling and feeling faint) and physical symptoms related to anxiety (such as lack of concentration and nervousness). Also IBS group has significantly higher positive metacognitive beliefs than CHD and control groups.DiscussionThe results showed that AS and metacognitive beliefs about worry play a crucial role in PFAMC such as IBS and CHD. Hence, the management of AS and metacognitive beliefs by clinicians in the treatment of these disorders is recommended.ConclusionsManagement of AS and metacognitive beliefs by clinicians in the treatment of PFAMCdisorders is important.

Highlights

Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition (PFAMC) or psychosomatic disorders are diagnosed in the presence of a general medical condition and of psychological factors that adversely affect the course or treatment of the condition, or that increase physical or emotional risk for the patient [1]
The results showed Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD) group has more significant physical concerns and mental incapacitation concerns compare to Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and control groups
It means CHD patients have more fear of physical symptoms related to anxiety and physical symptoms related to anxiety

Summary

Introduction

Psychological Factors Affecting Medical Condition (PFAMC) or psychosomatic disorders are diagnosed in the presence of a general medical condition and of psychological factors that adversely affect the course or treatment of the condition, or that increase physical or emotional risk for the patient [1]. IBS and CHD are the two most common PFAMC. Mind – body connection and the role of personality and perceived stress underlie many physical illnesses and PFAMC. Autonomic, endocrine, gastrointestinal and other systems in our body have interaction to each other. Many studies showed the common pathogenic mechanisms in various diseases through theses interactions. Recent studies have reported a link between small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) – that manifests with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms – and cardiovascular disease [2.3]

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