Abstract
ObjectiveWe explored the association between IBS and the development of bipolar disorder, and the risk factors for bipolar disorders in patients with IBS.MethodsWe identified patients who were newly diagnosed with IBS between 2000 and 2010 in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We also identified a comparison matched cohort without IBS. The occurrence of new-onset bipolar disorder was evaluated in both cohorts.ResultsThe IBS cohort consisted of 30,796 patients and the comparison cohort consisted of 30,796 matched patients without IBS. The incidence of bipolar disorder (incidence rate ratio, 2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10–3.31, P < .001) was higher in the IBS patients than in the matched cohort. Multivariate matched regression models indicated that autoimmune diseases (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.07–2.17, P = .020), and asthma (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.08–1.95, P = .013) were independent risk factors for the development of bipolar disorder in the IBS patients.ConclusionIBS may increase the risk of developing subsequent bipolar disorder. Additional prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Highlights
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common debilitating gastrointestinal disorder
The IBS cohort consisted of 30,796 patients and the comparison cohort consisted of 30,796 matched patients without IBS
The incidence of bipolar disorder (incidence rate ratio, 2.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10–3.31, P < .001) was higher in the IBS patients than in the matched cohort
Summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common debilitating gastrointestinal disorder. Few epidemiological studies have estimated the prevalence of IBS in Asian countries. Prevalence estimates for IBS in China are lower than those in Western populations, ranging from 4% to 6% [2,3]. In most Western nations, IBS is reported more frequently by women than men, but the female predominance reported in the West has not always been reproduced in other countries [4]. This functional gastrointestinal disorder is characterized by episodic exacerbations of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, including diarrhea and/or constipation [5]
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