Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Whats the Link Between IBS and Anxiety?
People with IBS may be three times more likely to deal with anxiety or depression than the general population.
One theory is that both conditions may be brought on by the same mechanisms.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Common IBS and Anxiety Symptoms
Thesymptoms of IBShave a significant impact on quality of life.
IBS can be unpredictable, and the symptoms can make daily tasks difficult.
This can result in having anxiety about symptoms coming on.
In one study,painand diarrhea were found to be worse when patients also had symptoms ofmood disorders.
These symptoms were worsened when psychological symptoms accompanied them.
Triggers and Causes of IBS and Anxiety
IBS symptoms have many potential triggers.
These situations or stressors may lead to a worsening of IBS symptoms.
How changes in the gut microbiome affect IBS isnt well understood.
Some of the things that can change the microbiome dramatically include antibiotics or a gut infection.
Hypersensitivity of the Gut-Brain Axis
IBS is considered a disorder of the gut-brain axis.
The gut and the brain work together to regulate digestion and the central nervous system.
In IBS, this pathway might respond strongly to changes in anything from diet to mood.
Psychological Factors
Its thought that having IBS could lead to developing psychological symptoms.
In some people, these problems could even become more of an issue than the IBS.
However, it did determine that stressful life events can worsen symptoms of IBS worse.
Some people may need to try different types of treatments separately or together to get the desired results.
Antidepressants
Antidepressantsare prescribed to treat certain people with IBS.
These drugs might help because they treat pain in a variety of different ways.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnosisis a valid and potentially effective treatment for symptoms of IBS.
It could be that accessing the unconscious brain helps to manage dysregulation in the gut-brain axis.
Many studies show that hypnosis that a licensed practitioner delivers is a valid treatment option.
This diet is not easy to follow without help, so working with a dietitian is usually recommended.
Theres no single treatment alone that gets results for everyone.
For that reason, it may be a journey of trial and error to find what works.
At home, people with IBS may want to try some management techniques on their own.
Reducing the symptoms of IBS may also have an effect on anxiety.
These include:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
IBS symptoms include a change in bowel habits.
This can include going to the bathroom more or less frequently and/or having pain with bowel movements.
It’s important to keep track of these changes and discuss them with ahealthcare provider.
Many people may have a go at treat symptoms at home with lifestyle and diet changes.
This is reasonable, and for some people, it may help.
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