Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common ailment that causes pain, bloating, diarrhea, cramps and constipation. According to estimates, between 50 and 90 percent of patients diagnosed with IBS also suffer from psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Although the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, a study from the University of Vermont found that patients with IBS have significantly lower levels of serotonin than other patients. Serotonin is a crucial component in regulating and controlling emotions, and low levels have previously been linked to both depression and anxiety. This may help explain why the two conditions so often occur together.
IBS and anxiety exist in a cause-and-effect loop: anxiety increases the severity of the symptoms related to IBS, while increased problems with the stomach and intestines lead in turn to more anxiety. The result is a vicious circle that can be difficult to break without active treatment.
Treating IBS effectively also requires addressing the anxiety. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, exercise regularly and consider taking anti-anxiety medication. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy have also shown good results in alleviating both stomach problems and anxiety.
Women are twice as likely to suffer from IBS as men, and the condition is also more common among people who suffer from migraines or fibromyalgia, as well as those who have been subjected to sexual or physical abuse.
Contact a doctor if you become anemic, have blood in your stool, begin to lose weight unintentionally, experience reduced appetite or suffer from fatigue. These symptoms may indicate a more serious illness that needs to be investigated.
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