Mapping the Brain–Gut Axis: An Analysis of Gastrointestinal Symptom Domains Across Depression Severity Levels in Bengaluru

Background Depression is a common psychiatric disorder frequently associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, reflecting the complex bidirectional interaction of the gut–brain axis. Disturbances in gut–brain communication may contribute to both depressive symptom severity and GI dysfunction. Purpose To evaluate the association between depression severity and GI symptom burden and to identify domain-specific GI symptom patterns among patients with depression. Materials and Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 100 adult patients diagnosed with depression. Depression severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAM-D-17), while GI symptoms were evaluated using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Statistical analyses included correlation analysis, the Kruskal–Wallis test, chi-square test, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results A significant positive association was observed between depression severity and overall GI symptom burden. Among the assessed GI domains, constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion demonstrated the strongest correlations with depressive severity. Multiple linear regression analysis identified the HAM-D score as an independent predictor of GI symptom burden. Conclusion Greater depression severity was associated with increased GI symptom burden, particularly constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. Although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, these findings highlight the clinical relevance of the gut–brain axis and support the integration of GI symptom assessment into routine psychiatric evaluation for comprehensive, patient-centered management.