Psychological factors associated with gastroparesis

• Gastroparesis is often associated with psychological symptoms, including anxiety (e.g., feeling wound up, inability to relax, feelings of panic and worry) and depression (e.g., loss of interest in enjoyable activities, feeling sad and unhappy, slowed down, lacking energy).

• The symptoms of gastroparesis can make it difficult for people to participate in normal eating activities, making it harder to socialise, and sometimes leading to strong feelings of isolation and loss.

• Psychological factors are known to have a long-term effect on the physiological system, particularly on gastrointestinal motility and the immune response.