Effective Management of Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders with Dr Alireza Ahmadvand

In this episode, Dr Krystyna de Lange hosts Associate Professor Dr Alireza Ahmadvand, a practising GP with a special interest in gastroenterology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, to discuss disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI).

Dr Ahmadvand elaborates on what DGBIs are and provides the latest insights into the pathophysiology, mentioning conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. He explains the diagnostic criteria and the importance of recognising these conditions in general practice, and highlights the role of GPs in identifying and ruling out structural abnormalities before considering a DGBI diagnosis.

They also covered the multifactorial nature of these disorders, including the impact of psychological and psychosocial factors, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, and the interactions between gut microbiome and gut function. Dr Ahmadvand outlines when GPs should consider DGBIs and what red flags to watch for, emphasising the importance of comprehensive evaluations and specialist collaboration.

For management, Dr Ahmadvand advocates for a multidisciplinary approach involving dietitians, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and gastroenterologists to provide holistic care. Pharmacological treatments, diet modifications, and psychological interventions, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, are also mentioned as part of a comprehensive management plan.

Lastly, Dr Ahmadvand points GPs towards the Rome Foundation's criteria, the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, and patient-focused platforms like Gut Foundation Australia and the IBS Network. He also encourages keeping alongside of the latest research through journals like Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

Links & Resources:

Rome Iv Diagnostic Criteria For Fgids

• https://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-criteria/
• https://theromefoundation.org/resources/rome-iv-criteria-booklet/ (downloadable booklet in PDF)

Patient Education Material

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

• https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
• https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
• https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs

Resources From The Australian Journal Of General Practice

The lived experience of irritable bowel syndrome: A focus on dietary management

• https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2022/june/the-lived-experience-of-irritable-bowel-syndrome

Research Instruments/Projects

Valid Instrument for Evaluating Symptoms in the Clinical Setting - Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scale (SAGIS)

• https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10620-017-4599-6

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 10% Off Lyrebird Health

Unlock a 10% discount on Lyrebird Health by using the code GOODGP and discover how this AI scribe can transform your practice by saving you time and ensuring your documentation sounds just like you: www.thegoodgp.com.au/lyrebird

Lyrebird Health