Beyond Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Psychosocial Implications of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction

Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) encompass a broad spectrum of conditions primarily characterized by symptoms localized to the gastroduodenal region, alongside various motility disturbances. Despite advances in gastroenterology, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms driving these disorders remain only partially elucidated, presenting ongoing challenges for diagnosis and treatment. Importantly, these conditions extend beyond the visible gastrointestinal manifestations, involving a complex interplay of neuropsychological and psychosocial symptoms. individuals often experience anxiety, depression, cognitive disturbances, and social dysfunction, which collectively contribute to a substantial reduction in their overall quality of life. Such symptoms are frequently under-recognized and undertreated in clinical practice, limiting the effectiveness of conventional approaches focused solely on gastrointestinal complaints. A more comprehensive understanding of the gut–brain–microbiota axis, including its neuropsychological and psychosocial dimensions, is essential to develop integrative diagnostic tools and multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies.

This Research Topic invites contributions from researchers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary teams to critically examine the complex and often underappreciated interplay between gastrointestinal health and psychological, emotional, and social factors. DGBI extend beyond functional digestive symptoms, reflecting a multidimensional clinical picture shaped by neurobiological vulnerability, early life experiences, and psychosocial stressors. We are interested in submissions exploring the influence of adverse childhood experiences, personality traits, maladaptive cognitive patterns, and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress, on the onset, severity, and persistence of DGBI. Additionally, we seek work that investigates the bidirectional relationships between DGBI and domains such as sleep, sexual health, disordered eating, and occupational functioning. This collection seeks to adopt a biopsychosocial perspective that fosters the development of integrative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to address these complex disorders.

We welcome submissions on (but not limited to) the following themes:
- The impact of early life adversity and trauma on DGBI development and progression
- Neurobiological mechanisms underlying the gut-brain axis in DGBI
- The role of maladaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns in symptom perpetuation
- Interactions between DGBI and sleep, sexual health, or eating behavior
- The effect of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression on gastrointestinal health
- Innovative biopsychosocial interventions or therapeutic models for DGBI

Keywords: DGBI, Gut-brain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Functional Dyspepsia.

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.