There is evidence suggesting psychological factors play an important role in IBS, this is due to the link that exists between the brain and gut, often called the 'gut-brain connection'. In some people, the gut-brain connection can trigger or worsen symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation and nausea.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic psycho-physiological disorder. It is considered to be the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, and about 50–90% of IBS patients have associated psychiatric co-morbidity.
It also isn't solely a psychological problem you'd take to a therapist or psychiatrist instead, though it may trigger poor effects on mood. Between 7 and 21 percent of Americans have IBS.
There are many things you can do to manage IBS symptoms. Heat, tea, relaxation, keeping track of symptoms, and eating a low-FODMAP diet can all help. Importantly, working with a healthcare provider is the best way to develop a treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and medication.
Psychological stress plays a role in the development of IBS and may exacerbate its symptoms. In addition, people with IBS also often have co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Scientists have used animal models exposed to stress to study the effects of IBS.
Several personality traits and constructs, such as neuroticism, conscientiousness, and alexithymia, are closely associated with IBS.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most prevalent disorder of brain-gut interactions that affects between 5 and 10% of the general population worldwide.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBS
Relaxation exercises and calming self-talk are two CBT coping techniques that may help. These exercises enable users to actively lessen the stress response, thereby reducing the gut changes that occur in response to thoughts and feelings.
If emotional stress is a trigger for your symptoms, there are several psychological interventions that might be used. The most studied is cognitive behavioral therapy, which has been shown to be effective for IBS. This type of therapy is provided by a trained mental health professional.
Although psychological problems like anxiety don't cause the digestive disorder, people with IBS may be more sensitive to emotional troubles. Strong emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression trigger chemicals in the brain that turn on pain signals in your gut that may cause your colon to react.
Women are up to two times more likely than men to develop IBS. People younger than age 50 are more likely to develop IBS than people older than age 50. Factors that can increase your chance of having IBS include: having a family member with IBS.
In the current study IBS patients scored higher in neuroticism and conscientiousness and scored lower in agreeableness and openness.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) like amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor) may be better for those with IBS-related diarrhea. This is because these medications slow down the digestive tract.
Our top tips for achieving happiness while simultaneously experiencing IBS are to set a routine which helps with achieving happiness in you. This may include starting an exercise routine, maintaining and/or starting a new hobby and ensuring you maintain a good sleep routine specific to your needs.
'Chronic stress can cause an imbalance of the gut's bacteria and be a key factor in a person developing IBS. ' Stress and major life traumas are known to worsen IBS symptoms. Many people experience spikes in their stress levels just before they start getting IBS symptoms.
Many people with IBS feel guilty about calling in sick. However, it's important to remember that IBS is real and that it has a significant impact on people's lives. If you're feeling very unwell, then staying home may be the right decision.
There is evidence suggesting psychological factors play an important role in IBS, this is due to the link that exists between the brain and gut, often called the 'gut-brain connection'.
However, results from many studies show that stress may be a potential cause and risk factor of IBS. According to a 2014 study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, an estimated 40% to 60% of people with IBS also suffer from stress and vice versa.
IBS and mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, commonly occur together. And studies have found that the higher your anxiety, the worse your IBS symptoms. Often anxious feelings arise from your gastrointestinal (GI) tract and worrying that a flare-up is always just around the corner.
Dating can be a daunting process under normal circumstances. But dating with IBS brings those inherent challenges up to a new level. The unpredictability of symptoms, special diet needs, and concerns about the need for quick access to a bathroom may all seem like too much to ask a potential love interest to deal with.
“You don't really have to say 'IBS' if you're not comfortable explaining it,” says Lin Chang, MD. Try other terms like “digestion problems,” “cramps,” or “GI condition” as a quick way to describe your condition. “The phrase 'I have stomach troubles' is very suitable and covers all the bases,” Wilcoxon says.