There is a strong correlation between IBS and the occurrence of migraines, fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression. For example, a study of 97,593 people with IBS and 27,402 non-IBS people were compared. The other illnesses occurred about 60% more frequently in the IBS population. This does not mean that these illnesses cause IBS but simply that people with IBS are more prone to having these other illnesses.
Generally speaking migraines, fibromyalgia, anxiety and depression are not a psychological illnesses. They are illnesses for which an unbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain are known to play a role. Some of these neurotransmitters like serotonin also play a major role in the regulation of GI motility and viseral sensitivity as well in these other illnesses. Some IBS drugs like Zelnorm and Lotronex affect serotonin levels in the bowel.
It is not surprising that there is a relationship between IBS and depression. The notion that depression causes IBS was abandon some time ago. However, it quite possible that all of these illnesses may have some underlying common factors.
-------------------- STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
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