RESUMEN
The interplay between the central nervous system and the intestinal environment hinges on neural, hormonal, immune, and metabolic reactions. Over decades, significant effort has gone into exploring the link between the digestive system and the brain. The primary objective of this study is to assess catecholamine levels in children with neuropsychiatric disorders. We aim to examine how these levels impact the mental and physical wellbeing of these children, with a specific focus on psychoemotional symptoms and cognitive performance. Our research seeks to identify the significance of modifying neurotransmitter levels in pediatric medical interventions, ultimately striving to reduce mental health risks and enhance children's future development. A total of 135 individuals were chosen to partake, and they engaged in regular monthly consultations according to established study protocols. Clinical evaluations were conducted in a medical environment, encompassing the observation of constipation, diarrhea, and additional gastrointestinal anomalies not confined to constipation or diarrhea. This entailed the assessment of neurotransmitter imbalances, with a specific focus on dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and the noradrenaline/adrenaline ratio. Gastrointestinal disorders are indicative of imbalances in catecholamines, with lower gastrointestinal problems being correlated with such imbalances. In subjects with psychiatric disorders, a more pronounced dopamine and noradrenaline/adrenaline ratio was observed, while elevated adrenaline levels were associated with psychoanxiety disorders.
RESUMEN
Probiotics, also known as psychobiotics, have been linked to cognitive functions, memory, learning, and behavior, in addition to their positive effects on the digestive tract. The purpose of this study is to examine the psychoemotional effects and cognitive functioning in children with gastrointestinal disorders who undergo psychobiotherapy. A total of 135 participants, aged 5-18 years, were divided into three groups based on the pediatrician's diagnosis: Group I (Control) consisted of 37 patients (27.4%), Group II included 65 patients (48.1%) with psychoanxiety disorders, and Group III comprised 33 individuals (24.4%) with psychiatric disorders. The study monitored neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, GABA, glutamate, cortisol, and DHEA, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms including headaches, fatigue, mood swings, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, sleep disorders, and lack of concentration in patients who had gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. The results indicate that psychobiotics have a significant impact on reducing hyperactivity and aggression, and improving concentration. While further extensive studies are needed, these findings offer promising insights into the complexity of a child's neuropsychic behavior and the potential for balancing certain behaviors through psychobiotics.
RESUMEN
Background and objectives: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not only have a complex pathophysiological evolution with central and peripheral mechanisms. This study aimed to monitor the neuropsychiatric part of IBS and its management, following the quality of life of patients with IBS. Materials and Methods: Participants numbering 145 were investigated in this study for 6 months and were divided into four groups, namely the control group with a symptomatic period of less than 6 months (n = 34), the group with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; n = 58), IBS and neuropsychiatric treatment (n = 32), and IBS with probiotic treatment (n = 22). Clinical and paraclinical analyses as well as quality of life were monitored by domestic and international psychological questionnaires. Results: It was observed that, in patients with pro-longed symptoms, neuropsychiatric impairment occurred more frequently, and both clinical and paraclinical analyses improved significantly (p < 0.05) more so in those with complex allopathic treatment and in those with probiotic treatment. There were no significant differences between the two research groups. Conclusions: It has been shown that the neuropsychological component of IBS plays an important role in its treatment, and modern probation therapy can achieve similar results to those of neuropsychiatry. This also requires further studies to ensure the best combination in the approach to IBS.