Six-year follow-up of patients with functional bowel disorders, with and without previous psychotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term follow-up studies in patients with functional bowel disorders are rare.

METHODS: Of 85 patients with functional bowel disorders diagnosed in 2000, forty-eight patients responded to a postal questionnaire 6 years later (2006).

RESULTS: Gastrointestinal symptom severity was similar to that at the initial diagnosis. Anxiety and depression (HADS) were significantly decreased, however, depending on previous psychotherapy (PT) experience. Men but not women that had participated in PT exhibited reduced symptoms more pronounced than did patients without PT.

DISCUSSION: Anxiety and depression may determine consulting behaviour, but this appears unrelated to intestinal symptoms and their severity. Short-term PT contributes to long-term well-being especially in men.