The stress process model in the functional dyspepsia: Implications for its evaluation and treatment

Abstract

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is very prevalent in the general population and has been associated with psychological, social and biological factors. The aim of this article is to present an explanation of FD from the stress process perspective. The paper shows the implication of seven types of variables in this medical condition, i.e.: psychosocial demands, cognitive evaluation, stress response, coping strategies, social factors, dispositional factors and health status. Also, it is considered the possible rol of the Helicobacter pylori and other relevant factors. We conclude that FD is a health problem associated with psychological, biological and social factors. The stress process model makes a possible way to understand the relationship among these factors, helps to systematize the research contribution and guides the clinical psychology in the evaluation and therapy.