Treatment for Gut-Brain Axis Disorders (GBAD) in Katy, TX
Dr. Vivian Asamoah Is Experienced With Gut-Brain Disorders
Dr. Vivian Asamoah offers diagnosis and treatment of gut-brain axis disorders in Katy, TX for patients experiencing the symptoms associated with this troubling condition. While many gastrointestinal issues are easily identifiable through testing or endoscopy, GBADs do not produce any clear findings, making the diagnosis and path for treatment challenging for many in the medical community who don’t specialize in gastroenterology. If left untreated, physical symptoms persist, and patients often experience mood alterations. Contact us to schedule a consultation with gastroenterologist Dr. Vivian Asamoah.
What Is the Gut-Brain Axis?
The human body is filled with trillions of bacteria, most of which are found in the intestinal tract. There is convincing evidence that the microbiota found in the intestines is associated with the neuro-endocrine-immune pathways, which are the basis of the gut-brain axis. Generally speaking, the brain and the gut are in regular communication through the central and enteric nervous systems, which form a connection between the emotional and cognitive parts of the brain with the function of the intestine. Understanding this is important because it means any microbiota imbalance in the intestine can lead to physical symptoms and mood disorders.
Common Symptoms of GBAD
Because the enteric nervous system lining the walls of the intestines and the central nervous system connected to the brain are in constant communication, people with gut-brain axis disorders have physical and emotional symptoms. Mood disorders associated with GBAD include chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical symptoms include common issues associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, constipation, or an upset stomach. This connection helps explain why there is a higher percentage of individuals experiencing anxiety or depression among people with IBS or other bowel issues. If not appropriately diagnosed, patients will often be left in a constant state of imbalance and no relief for the bowel or mood disorder, leading to a lower quality of life.
How Are Gut-Brain Axis Disorders Diagnosed?
When diagnosing GBAD, the physical and mood symptoms will be discussed with the patient. While it was initially thought that conditions, such as IBS or bloating, might cause anxiety or depression, it is now believed that it could be the other way around. As your specialist in gastroenterology, Dr. Asamoah will discuss your physical and emotional symptoms to diagnose your condition accurately. Because there are no standardized test results or endoscopy findings to review when diagnosing GBAD, our evaluation will be comprehensive to effectively narrow down our conclusion to develop the right treatment plan.
Personalized Treatment Plans for Gut-Brain Disorders
Every individual’s gut-brain axis and mental health mood disorders are unique, and we promise to develop a customized treatment plan specific to your symptoms and condition. The ultimate goal is to improve the balance of communication between your gut and your brain, and what works for one patient might not work for you. However, as a practice dedicated to your overall wellness, we have a range of treatments that may include:
- Dietary suggestions
- Lifestyle changes
- Regular exercise
- Reducing stress
- Behavioral therapy
- Alternative medicine approaches
Learn More About Treatments for GBAD
Dr. Vivian Asamoah is committed to providing patients in Katy, TX with effective treatments for gut-brain axis disorders and mental health problems associated with this condition. If improperly diagnosed or left untreated, patients will have difficulty getting control over their health and will likely waste time on ineffective treatments or targeting the wrong symptoms. If you’re struggling with intestinal issues and mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our goal is to accurately diagnose your condition and improve your quality of life.