Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects our digestive system. It is believed that this condition affects women more, but this could also be because women are three times more likely to visit their GP due to gastrointestinal problems than men. Although IBS isn't a type of anxiety disorder, anxiety can trigger IBS symptoms. This can be known as Anxiety-Induced IBS.

 

What are the symptoms of IBS?

​IBS is often a 'diagnosis of exclusion'. This means that healthcare professionals will investigate our symptoms to see if there are other diagnoses, such as an inflammatory bowel disease, before diagnosing IBS. 

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Flare-ups & triggers:

Certain foods, alcohol, anxiety or stress can trigger these symptoms. This means symptoms increase, and your mood can cause a flare-up. Flare-ups can vary in length, with some people experiencing flare-ups for a day and some for up to a week.

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How does anxiety trigger IBS?

One in three people with IBS will have anxiety or depression. There isn't a clear reason, but many links have been theorised.

• The gut-brain axis: There is direct communication between your digestive system and your brain, meaning that feeling anxious or low in mood can impact our gut's ability to digest our food effectively. We may often hear that people can have a 'nervous stomach', meaning that when we're feeling anxious, we can experience stomach pain and diarrhoea.

• The cycle of anxiety and IBS: Just as our brains can communicate to our gut when we're anxious, our gut can also send signals during a flare-up of symptoms back to the brain, increasing our anxiety. This can create a loop, and then we can feel anxious about managing our symptoms at school, work or in our daily lives.

 

​What causes IBS?

It’s not clear what causes IBS, but several factors may influence or increase the likelihood of developing it, although these might not apply to everyone.

• Genetic Factors: Some researchers believe that a family history of anxiety or IBS will increase the likelihood of developing IBS

• Biological Factors: Our digestive system can sometimes pass food through too quickly or too slowly, causing diarrhoea and constipation

• Lifestyle Factors: Diets that include a lot of dairy, gluten or processed foods can trigger IBS symptoms. Drinking caffeine and alcohol regularly can also affect IBS.

 

How is IBS treated?

If you think you might have IBS, the first step is to book an appointment with your GP. They will ask about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They can treat you or refer you to physical and mental health specialists. 

Some lifestyle changes can help ease your anxiety and, in turn, reduce IBS symptoms. Read more about these here.​