The effect of neurotransmitters on the course of functional gastrointestinal disorders associated with emotional volitional disturbances caused by stress in children

Abstract

Background. The medico-social significance of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in children is due to their prevalence and impact on the quality of life of patients. According to the biopsychosocial model, FGID are heterogeneous diseases that arise as a result of a complex interaction of biological, psychoemotional, and psychosocial factors. Objective: based on the gene­ralization of available literature data, to highlight the influence of serotonin and melatonin neurotransmitters on the course of FGIR associated with emotional volitional disturbances caused by stress in children. Materials and methods. Modern domestic and international scientific literature on the influence of serotonin and melatonin on the course of FGIR associated with emotional volitional disturbances caused by stress in children was reviewed and analyzed. To search for literary sources, the Scopus, PubMed, ResearchGate, Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar databases were studied for 2016–2024, a total of 98 sources. Results. Modern etiopathogenetic factors for the occurrence of FGIR in children are described, with the key components of their biopsychosocial model highligh­ted. The influence of stressors on the development of mental disorders in children with FGIR, in particular emotional and volitional changes, is considered. We have demonstrated the role of serotonin and melatonin in the regulation of mood, emotions, sleep, beha­vior, anxiety, depression, etc. The importance of these neurotransmitters in the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in FGIR is highlighted with modern approaches to the management of children with FGIR associated with emotional volitional disturbances caused by stress being considered. A promising therapeutic direction is identified — the use of supplements of certain neurotransmitters (in particular, serotonin and melatonin) in children with this pathology. Conclusions. The analyzed literature data demonstrate the heterogeneity of FGIR in children and the importance of stressors in their development. Neurotransmitters play a significant role in the formation of the response to stress and the course of FGIR associated with emotional volitional disturbances caused by stress in children. Data on the effectiveness of serotonin and melatonin supplementation in children with FGIR are few, so there is a need for further research on this issue in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment and the quality of life of these patients.