Irritable Bowel syndrome and Psychiatric Comorbidities: A narrative review

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most commonly diagnosed illness by gastroenterologists. These symptoms occur widely in the general population at all ages and in both sexes. The condition is a considerable health-care burden, accounting for approximately half of all referrals to gastrointestinal clinics. The prevalence of IBS varies according on geographic region, demographic, and diagnostic criteria employed. IBS pathogenesis is complicated and poorly understood. Gut microbiota, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), visceral hypersensitivity, disruption of the gut-brain axis, psychosocial distress, and altered GI motility all are proposed as potential risk factors. Inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with considerable psychosocial comorbidities, which have an impact on patient quality of life, disease progression, and health-care expenditures. The present article reviews the latest evidence on the aetiology IBS, with a focus on psychiatric comorbidities and available management available.