The definition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) continues to be updated.GERD is now defined as symptoms or complications resulted from the reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus or beyond, into the oral cavity (including larynx)or lung.GERD is a group of disease syndrome, includes typical symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn, and atypical symptoms such as chest pain, belching, and extra esophageal symptoms such as cough and asthma.The pathogenesis of GERD includes sliding hiatal hernia, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, acid pocket, decreased ability of esophageal clearance, delayed gastric emptying, duodenogastro-esophageal reflux and so on, anxiety, depression and other stress factors which can lead to increased esophageal sensitivity, which can produce GERD-related symptoms.The effect of stress on esophageal sensitivity is mainly through the peripheral and central mechanisms, namely peripheral sensitization and central sensitization, the latter plays a major role.We should take the principle of individual on the treatment of GERD patients according to the specific circumstances of each patient, while psychological factors should receive attention.