Content Researchers Unveil Novel Tool for Evaluating Psychological Effects of Esophageal Disorders

Psychological elements play a more significant role in determining the severity of esophageal disease symptoms than objective assessments like acid reflux and motility function. Despite this recognition, Japan lacked specific questionnaires for evaluating psychological states related to esophageal issues. In contrast, the United States developed the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale (EHAS) questionnaire in 2018, which focuses on symptom-specific anxiety and hypervigilance.

To facilitate EHAS usage in Japan, Dr. Akinari Sawada’s research group at Osaka Metropolitan University’s Graduate School of Medicine collaborated with the original developers to create a Japanese version of this tool. To assess its reliability, they analyzed survey results from 432 patients who underwent esophageal manometry across six institutions in Japan. While minor adjustments were made for cultural nuances, the questionnaire proved valid when compared to standard mental and physical health surveys.

The team further explored the correlation between EHAS scores and symptom severity by examining data from 113 patients with esophageal achalasia—a condition marked by difficulty moving food into the stomach—and similar diseases. Their findings revealed that higher EHAS scores corresponded with more intense perceived symptoms, highlighting the impact of psychological factors.

“By utilizing this tool to better identify and address esophageal symptoms influenced by psychological elements,” Dr. Sawada stated, “we hope it will lead to more appropriate treatments.” The research was published in the Journal of Gastroenterology.