The Relationship Between IBS and Anxiety: An Examination

Digestive Disorder IBS and Anxiety: Exploring the Interlink

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects bowel movements. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, around 10% to 15% of adults in the United States experience symptoms of IBS, but only 5% to 7% have been diagnosed.

Common symptoms of IBS include nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas production, bloating, and mucus in stool. People living with anxiety or depression are more likely to be diagnosed with IBS.

While anxiety and anxiety disorders do not cause IBS, they might worsen symptoms of the condition. Stress can manifest in the body in ways such as digestive issues, and IBS and anxiety share similar structural brain changes that can occur from significant life stress.

Mental health professionals working with trauma, anxiety, and depression—such as psychologists and psychiatrists—are linked to the development of IBS through their role in managing psychological factors that affect gut health. Certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and mood disorders, may share genetic pathways with IBS. Shared genetic pathways involve interactions in the brain-gut axis that affect stress responses, pain perception, and visceral hypersensitivity, but specific genetic pathways are complex and not fully delineated in current studies.

Several classifications of IBS exist, including IBS-C (characterized by constipation), IBS-D (characterized by diarrhea), and IBS-mixed (a combination of both).

Fortunately, there are various strategies for managing IBS symptoms and anxiety. Dietary control (eating more fiber, avoiding gluten, following IBS dietary recommendations), exercising, stress management, medications and supplements to address diarrhea, constipation, or both, and sleep hygiene are strategies that might overlap for IBS management and anxiety reduction.

Limiting alcohol and caffeine, eating regular, balanced meals, exercising, using focused breathing techniques, practicing yoga, meditation, mindfulness, or other relaxation methods, treating oneself to a massage or other self-care activity, seeking humor, reminding oneself that it's OK to be imperfect, journaling about what may be causing feelings of anxiety, using positive affirmations, distracting oneself with a hobby or activity, asking family and friends for support, and practicing sleep hygiene are some ways to prevent anxiety and manage IBS symptoms.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy, a form of hypnosis that can help calm the digestive tract, has been found to be an effective approach for the long-term management of IBS symptoms. Mindfulness, a method that can help manage anxiety disorders and improve IBS symptoms, can help one learn to allow thoughts to occur in the moment without following them down into the "rabbit hole".

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could benefit both IBS and anxiety. Practicing mindfulness helps one manage IBS symptoms and anxiety by learning to focus on the present moment and reducing stress responses.

To find a gastroenterologist, visit the American College of Gastroenterology or the Rome Foundation. To locate a mental health care professional, visit our find help page to find services in your area. It's important to remember that everyone's experience with IBS and anxiety is unique, and finding the right approach for managing symptoms may require some trial and error.

Anxiety is a natural physiological response to challenging situations, but when it becomes chronic or interferes with daily life, it's essential to seek help. With the right strategies and support, it's possible to manage both IBS and anxiety effectively.