Do you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcerative colitis (UC)?  Do you also suffer from anxiety or depression? If so then you are not alone; a new study presented at Digestive Disease Week describes how depression and anxiety rates are increased in patients who suffer from IBS or ulcerative colitis. Though researchers and doctors cannot definitively say whether IBS or UC causes depression or anxiety, or vice versa, it is notable that at least one third of digestive disease patients suffer from these psychological disorders as well.

What The Study Said
Researchers reviewed the data from seven different studies that analyzed depression and anxiety in patients with IBS, as well as three other similar studies of patients with ulcerative colitis.  Mental health symptoms were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Index. The studies were on a case-control basis and their findings showed higher scores for both depression and anxiety in patients with IBS as compared to controls. Patients with ulcerative colitis demonstrated either the same or a higher rate of symptoms of psychological issues as patients with IBS.
According to the report, “Depression was observed in 38% of IBS patients, while anxiety was present in 32%, compared with 50% and 64%, respectively, among those with UC. The mean HADS depression score for IBS patients was 5.4, compared with 4.1 among those with UC, while mean HADS anxiety scores were 8.1 and 8.5, respectively.”
Overall, at least a third of patients with IBS or UC had feelings of anxiety or depression.
Investigating the Link Between Mental and GI Health

 

While researchers do not yet fully understand the association between IBS and mental health, it is clear that the symptoms of IBS and UC can impact your daily life.  These symptoms may be so uncomfortable or embarrassing that patients avoid work, school or social gatherings.  You may lose interest in activities you once loved because they become too difficult or painful, and this may start a spiral into anxiety or depression. This spiral may begin with you not wanting to participate in your usual hobbies and activities, and end with you taking extended leaves of absences from work or school.  If you notice you are on this path, it’s important to seek help for your illness and try to take the right steps toward physical and mental health.

Contact Your Expert Gastroenterologist Today
At Gastroenterology Institute of Southern California, Dr. Berookim and his team of experts want to help improve your physical health and mental health so you can live a full and happy life.  If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety related to pain or discomfort from your irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis, contact us and we will use our cutting-edge know-how and heartfelt care to get you on back on track!  Call us today at (310) 271-1122 to schedule a consultation!