Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Here is just one item I have found on the web about the link between IBS and disorders such as anxiety:

J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;62 Suppl 8:38-45; discussion 46-7. Related Articles, Links

Irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression: what are the links?

Lydiard RB.

Mood and Anxiety Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and potentially disabling functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel patterns. A significant amount of clinical and research data suggest the importance of the brain-gut interaction in IBS. This review examines the observed high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with IBS. The published literature indicates that fewer than half of individuals with IBS seek treatment for it. Of those who do, 50% to 90% have psychiatric disorders, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depression, while those who do not seek treatment tend to be psychologically normal. Both physiologic and psychosocial variables appear to play important roles in the development and maintenance of IBS. Recent information suggests that the association of IBS and psychiatric disorders may be more fundamental than was previously believed. A brain-gut for IBS is presented, and the role of traumatic stress and corticotropin-releasing factor as modulators of the brain-gut loop is discussed. Finally, the rationale for the use of psychotropic agents in the treatment of IBS with or without psychiatric symptoms is presented.

The only side effect I have noticed is a slight diminishing in sexu ual function, a common side effect with antidepressants. It is SO worth it, though.

My one piece of advice is if you end up trying a medication ask to start on pills rather than capsules and cut the pills up and increase to full dose by a quarter of a pil every three or four days. That will help minimize side effects. Then once you are up to full dose you can switch to capsule. Same for going off -- must be done very slowly to prevent not very fun withdrawal effects.

good luck. I highly recommend you talk to your dr about meds.

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Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

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