Research on functional constipation with anxiety or depression: a bibliometric analysis.

Researchers analyzed 427 scientific studies published between 2003 and 2024 to understand the connection between functional constipation and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Functional constipation is when someone experiences ongoing difficulty with bowel movements without a clear physical cause. The analysis found that research interest in this topic has grown steadily, with the United States leading in publications and Harvard University producing the most studies. The researchers identified several important trends: there's a strong connection between the brain and gut (called the brain-gut axis) that plays a role in constipation when people also have anxiety or depression. They also found that people with functional constipation and mental health issues often experience overlapping digestive symptoms like dyspepsia (indigestion). The study highlighted that future research should focus on understanding why this connection exists and exploring treatment options. Promising approaches mentioned include fecal microbiota transplantation (transferring healthy gut bacteria) and biofeedback therapy (learning to control body functions). For patients considering acupuncture, this research emphasizes the importance of addressing both the digestive and emotional aspects of constipation together, as they are interconnected. Acupuncture has traditionally been used to address both digestive health and emotional wellbeing through a holistic approach. If you're experiencing constipation along with anxiety or depression, working with a qualified, licensed acupuncturist who understands the mind-body connection may be beneficial.

This bibliometric analysis reviewed 427 publications (2003-2024) examining functional constipation (FC) with comorbid anxiety or depression from the Web of Science Core Collection. The study utilized CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze publication trends, author networks, and research hotspots. Results showed 83.61% were original research articles published across 200 journals, with the USA contributing 31.61% of publications. Key research directions identified include: investigation of the brain-gut axis mechanisms, evaluation of opioid medications as etiological factors, and overlapping dyspepsia symptoms in FC patients with psychiatric comorbidities. The analysis emphasized the need for rigorous randomized controlled trials with stringent quality control and high-quality meta-analyses. Emerging treatment modalities highlighted include fecal microbiota transplantation and biofeedback therapy. Clinical takeaway: When treating FC patients, particularly those with anxiety or depression history, practitioners should adopt integrated approaches addressing both gastrointestinal and psychological dimensions, recognizing the bidirectional brain-gut relationship and potential for symptom overlap.