Perception of rectal prolapse symptoms in patients with psychiatric disorders.

BACKGROUND

The perception of symptoms in individuals with rectal prolapse (RP) can be influenced by psychiatric disorders (PD). It was hypothesized that women with a history of PD would experience higher levels of bother from RP symptoms.

AIM: To examine the relationship between PD and symptom severity in women with RP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on female patients with RP from an approved registry. Demographic data, medical history, and prolapse-associated symptoms were collected. Validated questionnaires were used to measure the severity of symptoms and degree of associated bother. Patients with and without psychiatric history were compared.

RESULTS

Among the 200 patients included in the study, 83 (42%) had a PD, with depression (n = 46) and anxiety (n = 38) being the most prevalent. Patients with psychiatric history were younger (mean age: 58 ± 16) compared to those without PD (mean age: 66 ± 15; P < 0.001). The patients with PD reported higher scores on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-20 [median (interquartile range): 137.5 (77.08, 180.21) vs 101.04 (67.71, 150)] and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 [median (interquartile range): 100 (59.52, 171.43) vs 80.95 (38.10, 142.86)]. The bowel symptoms were the primary contributors to the distress experienced by these patients.

CONCLUSION

Women with RP have a higher prevalence of PD and perceive bowel symptoms as more severe. Routine screening for PD is recommended and may improve patients' outcomes.