Psychosocial functioning of children and adolescents with gastroesophageal reflux disease

Introduction
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a syndrome of symptoms and morphological changes following gastroesophageal reflux. Among the many factors that may be responsible for the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, psychological ones are often mentioned.

Aim of the study
The aim of the planned study was to determine whether children and adolescents treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease are different from healthy ones in expressing anger and anxiety, and in school functioning.

Material and Methods
The study included 104 patients from 9 to 17 years of age with GERD. The comparative group consisted of 81 healthy volunteers of the same age without GERD. The following research methods were used: “Me and My School” Questionnaire, Anger Expression Scale SEG, STAIC.

Results
The results of external anger scores in children with reflux disease with predominant acid episodes were statistically significantly lower in comparison to those of predominantly mixed episodes and comparative children. As for school functioning, anxiety state, and anxiety trait, GERD patients did not differ significantly from the comparative group.

Conclusions
Gastroesophageal reflux disease did not affect anxiety levels, motivation for learning, or school anxiety. Predominant acid episodes in children have made them less likely to reveal anger in aggressive behaviour, which may indicate that this type of reflux, as more oppressive, causes subdued behaviour and passive coping with the illness. An analysis of the important psychosocial aspects of the functioning of children and adolescents with gastroesophageal reflux disease together with targeted psychological support can, to a large extent, contribute to improving the quality of patients’ lives.