Study of intestinal transit time in patient with anxiety and depression.

Intestinal transit time (ITT) was measured in 10 normal healthy individuals (Group-I) and 15 cases each of predominant anxiety (Group-IIA) and depression (Group IIB). Dietary habits were similar in all subjects. The ITT was significantly faster in group IIA (24.4 +/- 4.2 hrs. P less than 0.001) and significantly slower in Group IIB (47.5 +/- 3.9 hrs. P less than 0.001) as compared to that of Group I (36.5 +/- 0.97 hrs); but there was no correlation between the ITT and the levels of anxiety and depression. Also, physical complaints related to various systems, in the test group, could not be substantiated on physical examination and investigations. Psychological factors play an important role in GIT motility disorders and therapeutic interventions directed at psychological problem appear to be an important part of management.