Gastroparesis: Concepts, Controversies, and Challenges

Box 7

         Targeting Symptoms

Current Knowledge

Symptomatic therapy is widely used, mostly relying on antiemetics.

Pain is common and often treated with opioids.

Emerging Trends

The frequent coexistence of anxiety and depression as well as the importance of

effect in determining overall symptom severity may provide a rationale for

antidepressants.

Future Perspective

Considering the beneficial impact of psychological interventions in functional

disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, symptomatic therapy should expand

beyond traditional medication use and explore the effects of cognitive

behavioral therapy or hypnotherapy in patients with gastroparesis.