Perona M et al. (2005) Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in women who report domestic violence to the police. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 3: 436–441

An association has been demonstrated between patients with functional digestive disorders and previous physical, sexual or psychologic abuse. Perona et al. explored the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) among women reporting ongoing abuse to the police.

The study was conducted in Spain and consisted of a three-part questionnaire initially completed during an interview between a social worker and the woman reporting abuse, which evaluated a number of factors: the presence of frequent FGIDs (i.e., functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome); anxiety and/or depression levels; demographic and socioeconomic data; and maltreatment-related variables. Participants were asked to complete an identical questionnaire within 7 days at home.

In total, 70 women participated who were suffering from current abuse severe enough to be reported to the police, of which the most frequent form was physical accompanied by psychologic abuse (47%). According to Rome II diagnostic criteria, 71% of the women suffered from an FGID. The onset of FGIDs was either simultaneous with the start of maltreatment or occurred shortly after, and 80% of women believed their digestive problems were related to the abuse they suffered.

The study revealed that most women reporting domestic violence to the police have symptoms indicative of common FGIDs, and suggested that a high level of psychologic distress is a mediator in the development of these symptoms. The authors highlight the importance of these results in the healthcare of maltreated women, as well as the implications for the treatment of women with FGIDs.