It is not uncommon to experience stomach issues, such as a stomachache, when feeling stressed or anxious. However, there appears to be a deeper connection between anxiety and the gastrointestinal condition known as irritable bowel syndrome.
The relationship between anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is obviously present, although not yet fully understood. While we know that the two often appear side by side in patients, we still do not entirely comprehend how that relationship occurs or which one of the two appears first.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a group of symptoms that affect the large intestine, also known as the colon. These symptoms often include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, or maybe even anxiety. The severity and frequency of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with IBS.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a natural and often adaptive response to stress or perceived threats, characterized by feelings of worry, fear, or unease about future events, situations, or outcomes. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life and can even be helpful in certain situations, such as preparing for a presentation or exam, excessive or persistent anxiety that interferes with daily functioning may indicate an anxiety disorder.
What We Know About the Connection Between Anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
One of the most well-understood connections between anxiety and IBS is that common IBS symptoms, like abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements, appear to become exacerbated in the presence of panic attacks. Whether anxiety causes IBS or IBS causes anxiety is still a mystery.
However, mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are more commonly found in those experiencing IBS. One study examining 50 adults with IBS and 50 adults without found that those with IBS were approximately 25% more likely to experience anxiety symptoms than those without.
One report suggests that this may be due to shared genetic pathways between IBS and anxiety. Another possible connection between the two ailments lies in the brain’s activity. Studies have found that areas within the brain related to pain processing and emotional regulation, such as the amygdala show seemingly random activity in IBS patients. Similar brain activities have also been connected to anxiety and other mood disorders.
This does not necessarily mean that IBS causes anxiety or vice-versa. However, it does suggest that those with IBS may be more likely than others to develop anxiety disorders or another mood disorder and vice versa.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Can Help
Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy, ” has widely been used to treat many different struggles and conditions, ranging from physical to mental health conditions. Research has found that CBT, in particular, can be an effective treatment option for those experiencing panic disorder, as well as helping ease specific symptoms experienced by those with IBS.
What is CBT?
CBT is a research-based form of psychotherapy in which the therapist partners with the patient to take a deeper look at what may be causing their health concerns. In CBT, the therapist and patient will set goals for the treatment, develop a plan, discuss the effectiveness of the methods being used, and determine when treatment may not be needed any longer.
How Can CBT Help Symptoms of IBS?
CBT has been found to significantly help reduce IBS symptoms like abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. The therapy method has been examined in treating IBS and has consistently shown significant results. Over the years, researchers have developed CBT techniques to treat gastrointestinal conditions, including targeting generalized anxiety disorder, utilizing relaxation techniques, and developing coping mechanisms for uncomfortable symptoms.
Talking to an educated and experienced mental health therapist will help you determine whether CBT might be the right treatment to treat anxiety disorders or IBS. Cognitive behavioral therapy may be just the solution you need to help ease your anxiety and IBS symptoms.
