Did you know that there is a link between common heartburn and mental health? It’s true. Studies have shown that anxiety and depression can lead to heartburn and other symptoms. There is a brain-gut interaction. Your gastroenterologist can tell you more. The gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester offer comprehensive gastroenterology services, including diagnosis and treatment of heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD. They have two convenient office locations in Rochester, NY, to help you.

The Link Between Heartburn and Mental Health

Heartburn is a common gastrointestinal condition known as acid reflux, and gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Estimates indicate that over 60 million people in the United States suffer from heartburn at least once a month, and 15 million Americans feel heartburn daily, according to the American College of Gastroenterology.

Anxiety and depression are also common problems. Studies have demonstrated a link between psychosocial disorders such as anxiety and depression, and GERD. Research has shown that people with depression are 1.7 times more likely to develop GERD compared to those without depression. Research also indicated that levels of anxiety can increase the severity of acid reflux problems. It was demonstrated that when treating heartburn, the use of antidepressants can also improve symptoms of heartburn.

Research also suggested a connection between GERD and depression because they have many similar neurobiological mechanisms, including the “brain-gut” axis. This pathway outlines the communication between the central and the enteric nervous systems. To read the published research article about the link between heartburn and mental health, please click here.

If you suffer from chronic heartburn, you need to visit your gastroenterologist for treatment to control your symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may also recommend treating your mental health condition to help prevent symptoms.

Want To Know More About Heartburn?

To learn more about the link between heartburn and mental health, talk with the experts. Call the gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester in Rochester, NY. Please call (585) 720-1550.