Content Experts Unveil Innovative Tool for Evaluating the Psychological Effects of Esophageal Disorders

Psychological factors exert a more significant influence on the severity of esophageal disease symptoms than objective evaluations such as acid reflux and motility function. While general psychological state assessments are available in Japan, no specific questionnaires targeting esophageal symptoms existed until 2018 when the Esophageal Hypervigilance and Anxiety Scale (EHAS) was developed in the United States to evaluate hypervigilance and anxiety related to these symptoms.

In an effort to facilitate EHAS’s use 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 the questionnaire. To assess its reliability, survey results from 432 patients who underwent esophageal manometry across six facilities were analyzed. Minor adjustments were made for cultural differences, yet the questionnaire demonstrated validity comparable to standard mental and physical health surveys.

The team also investigated the correlation between EHAS scores and symptom severity in 113 patients with esophageal achalasia—a condition where food movement through the esophagus is obstructed—finding a positive association. As EHAS scores increased, perceived symptom intensity correspondingly rose. By leveraging this tool to better identify psychologically influenced esophageal symptoms, researchers hope it will lead to more appropriate treatments.

These findings were published in the Journal of Gastroenterology.

Dr. Akinari Sawada,
Osaka Metropolitan University