(Jocelyn Solis-Moreira/ Health) — New research found that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can take a big toll on an individual’s mental health.
A recent study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science found a strong link between IBS and an increased risk for anxiety, depression, and suicidal behavior.1 The findings suggest healthcare providers should pay regularly screen IBS patients for common psychiatric disorders.
Between 10% and 15% of Americans have mild to severe IBS symptoms. While the condition varies from person to person, it commonly involves alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. It’s not a life-threatening disorder, but the inconvenience and embarrassment that comes with GI issues can emotionally and mentally affect a person.
“Many people believe if they didn’t have IBS symptoms that bothered every inch of their life, they wouldn’t have anxiety or depression,” said Ashkan Farhadi, MD, a gastroenterologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California who was not involved in the study. (…)