Functional dyspepsia: Physiology, diagnosis and treatment

Old classical studies and new investigations support the theory that functional dyspepsia (FUD) is a psychosomatic disorder with multifactorial genesis, where psychological, social and cultural factors interact with biological variables. In FUD there is a high frequency of symptoms from other organs, as well as mental symptoms. Drugs are not found to be effective in FUD except as placebo treatment. However, if depression is associated with FUD, an antidepressant agent may be useful. The treatment of FUD as well as other functional gastrointestinal disorders should be focused on psychological intervention and stress management. There is evidence of beneficial effects from short‐term psychotherapy in patients with symptoms of FUD in combination with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).