Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) vs. non-DGBIs

When it comes to GI problems, we can look at two big categories: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) and Structural GI Diseases. There is an extensive body of research showing the efficacy of GI Health Psychology with DGBIs; however, there is also a growing amount of research demonstrating the positive impact of GI Health Psychology on some structural GI diseases.

What is the Difference?

Both DGBIs and structural GI diseases have physical symptoms due to a problem related to the digestive system. However, the difference between the two is based on the measurability of the problem.

Specifically, structural GI diseases are those dysfunctions in the digestive system whose cause can be measured, such as through a scan or blood test. For example, an ulcer is a structural GI disease because you can take a scan and measure an ulcerated area of tissue. You can also get a blood test to look for infection and blood loss. An ulcer is the physical symptom of a measurable problem.

On the other hand, DGBIs are those dysfunctions whose originating problem cannot be physically measured. Therefore, when doctors diagnose DGBIs, that diagnosis is based on signs and symptoms (patient experience), rather than by measuring tissue or blood components. One common example is constipation - if you have eaten poorly for several days, that can cause a backup/slowing in your bowel movements. A scan would show the accumulation of waste in your intestines, but the original cause of the constipation (i.e., poor diet) cannot be physically measured. Constipation is a physical consequence of a non-measurable problem.

DGBIs

In general, DGBIs interfere with the body's ability to access nutrients from food; this can happen anywhere in the body related to digestion.

Some of the more common DGBIs are

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional dyspepsia, Reflux hypersensitivity, Functional heartburn, Functional dysphagia, Rumination syndrome, Cyclic vomiting syndrome, Functional constipation, Functional diarrhea, Functional abdominal bloating/distention. (Full list of DGBIs can be found on The Rome Foundation website.)

Structural GI Diseases

GI Health Psychology can also have a positive impact on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) and Celiac Disease by decreasing GI-related distress and improving perceived quality of life.

IBDs

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are autoimmune conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue of the digestive tract, resulting in damage and inflammation.

Crohn’s Disease – causes inflammation at a deep level anywhere along the digestive tract

Ulcerative Colitis - causes inflammation and ulcers at the surface level of the large intestines

The symptoms of IBDs usually include

-              Pain in stomach

-              Stools that are watery and/or accompanied by blood

-              Malabsorption of nutrients and anemia leads to tiredness and weight loss

Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease is a separate autoimmune disorder in which gluten causes an immune response that attacks the small intestines. Even trace amounts of gluten can cause a severe impact that includes pain and tissue damage.

Learn more about how GI Health Psychology can help alleviate symptoms of these disorders.