Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, characterized by abdominal pain and alteration of bowel movements. This disorder afflicts 10-15% of United States citizens due to reasons unknown. It is hypothesized that IBS is not caused by physical or chemical disorders, but may be worsened by stress and anxiety. New research, however, explored the potential relationship between emotional distress and IBS through the gut-brain axis, which is the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.
Dr. Barandouzi’s study compared emotional distress symptoms, including anxiety and depressive symptoms, between two groups of people: those diagnosed with IBS and those deemed healthy. Serotonin and norepinephrine levels– which are types of neurotransmitters– and the gut microbiome profile were analyzed to gauge the correlation between IBS and emotional distress. Serotonin acts as a messaging system between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body and plays an integral part in the development of both IBS and emotional distress. Similarly, norepinephrine acts as a chemical messenger that transmits nerve signals between nerve, muscle, and gland cells.
The gut-brain axis and the gut microbiome profile are used to better understand the relationship between IBS and emotional distress.
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From the results, it is postulated that IBS symptoms may alter the gut microbiome, thus disturbing the processes occurring in the gut-brain axis. Consequently, neurotransmitter levels become unbalanced, which may indicate a decrease in serotonin and norepinephrine levels. This then leads to emotional distress, depression in particular, as the body’s homeostatic state is disrupted. In turn, emotional distress symptoms may also influence shifts in the gut-brain axis and alter the gut microbiome pattern, thereby causing IBS symptoms to occur in patients. The studied relationship indicates an oscillating correlation between the two factors since IBS can worsen emotional distress, and emotional distress can induce IBS symptoms. The study also stresses that the interaction between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract may affect emotional distress.
While the causes and cures for IBS are predominantly underdeveloped, symptoms are still manageable and patients are able to control and improve IBS’ influence on their lifestyle. Future research may provide better insight into the disorder and its potential relationship with anxiety and depression.
Hopefully, this newfound knowledge will help dispel the stigma that IBS is an emotional state and aid in developing better tests and treatments.
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