Pandemic fuels mental distress, gastric problems in IBS patients with anxiety/depression

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to self-reported increases in psychological distress and gastrointestinal symptoms among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and comorbid anxiety and/or depression, reveals a study.

The authors sought to characterize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability to engage in activities and the influence on psychological distress and gastrointestinal symptoms among individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety and/or depression.

Those who met the ROME-IV IBS criteria and reported mild to severe anxiety or depression were included in the analysis. Participants accomplished an online survey with questions on anxiety, depression, impact of COVID-19 on activities and symptoms, and demographics.

Fifty-five individuals met the eligibility criteria. The pandemic had the strongest impact on the participants’ ability to spend time with friends and family, shop for certain types of food, and access healthcare.

In addition, participants reported increased stress (92 percent), anxiety (81 percent), and depressive symptoms (67 percent). Nearly half of them also reported increases in abdominal pain (48 percent), diarrhoea (45 percent), or constipation (44 percent).

Further research is warranted to address these symptoms.

“Individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety and/or depression report increased symptoms and decreased quality of life compared with individuals with IBS alone,” the authors said. “The current COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to further influence symptoms among individuals with IBS and comorbid anxiety and/or depression.”