Characteristics of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with somatization disorder at the National Institute of Mental Health
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study aimed to describe the characteristics of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with somatization disorder at the National Institute of Mental Health, using a cross-sectional descriptive design in 114 patients presented with gastrointestinal symptoms; Patients received outpatient and inpatient treatment at the National Institute of Mental Health, Bach Mai Hospital, from September 2025 to February 2026. The male-to-female ratio was 1:3, the mean age was 50.54 ± 13.91 years old, the age at symptom onset was 46.95 ± 13.14 years old and the duration of gastrointestinal symptoms were 3.58 ± 2.96 years. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms accounted for more than 70%, whereas vomiting and lower gastrointestinal symptoms were both reported in less than 30% of cases. The rates of constipation and the feeling of incomplete evacuation were higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05).
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Keywords
Gastrointestinal symptoms, Somatization disorder
References
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