Gut–brain axis disorders

Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) — previously called functional gastrointestinal diseases — is the umbrella term for conditions where GI symptoms arise from disturbed communication between the brain and the enteric nervous system rather than structural disease. The international Rome V criteria group them by anatomy: oesophagus, gastroduodenal, bowel, centrally mediated abdominal pain, gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi, and anorectal. See also our overview of irritable bowel syndrome.

This article series walks through each group and explains how modern work-up and treatment rely on positive symptom-based diagnosis rather than endless exclusion testing. Alarm features (bleeding, weight loss, new-onset dysphagia over 50) always warrant colonoscopy or gastroscopy.