PREVALENCE AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CORRELATES OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ULCER DYSPEPSIA AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Non-Ulcer Dyspepsia (NUD), or Functional Dyspepsia, is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder that imposes a substantial psychological and healthcare burden. Despite the absence of detectable structural abnormalities, NUD often presents with persistent upper abdominal discomfort and significant psychosocial distress.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of anxiety and depressive disorders among patients with NUD in a tertiary care setting in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, KTH Hospital, from June to December 2023. One hundred patients aged 18–40 years diagnosed with NUD (Rome IV criteria) were enrolled through purposive sampling. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess psychiatric comorbidities, and data were analyzed using SPSS v26.

Results: Nearly half of the patients (48%) exhibited psychiatric comorbidities, with anxiety disorders (24%) predominating, followed by depressive (10%) and mixed anxiety–depression (14%) disorders. Females accounted for 79% of all psychiatric cases, and the 18–25-year age group represented 54% of the total psychological burden. Epigastric burning (40%) and pain (36%) were the leading symptoms, and younger patients reported the highest symptom multiplicity.

Conclusion: The findings confirm a strong gut–brain link in NUD, emphasizing that nearly one in two patients suffers from concurrent psychiatric illness—most commonly anxiety. Young women emerged as the most vulnerable subgroup. Integrating routine psychological assessment and multidisciplinary management within gastroenterology practice may significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce chronic symptom persistence.