Researchers from Cambridge have discovered that genes may cause anxiety to develop in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The team wants people to stop thinking of IBS as a mental disease.
IBS is a severe condition that affects one in ten people. Its symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. There is no test for the disease. As a result, healthcare workers diagnose it by eliminating other illnesses. More women than men report cases of IBS. The patients with the condition report their symptoms at the age of 20-40 years.
According to Professor Miles Parkes, a lead study author and consultant gastroenterologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, most people don’t understand IBS. Doctors even misdiagnose it as it often co-occurs with anxiety and stress.
IBS and anxiety disorder share common genes
The researchers gathered 50,000 people with IBS and compared their DNA with that of people without the condition. They discovered about six genetic variations that explained the correlation between IBS and anxiety. Fortunately, the chances of passing IBS to one’s offspring are low. Moreover, genes do not increase the likelihood of developing it.
Parkes adds that similar gene compositions make it more likely to develop IBS, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and neuroticism. However, the gut condition does not cause mental disorders and vice versa.
Since the conditions have similar genetic origins, the affected genes cause changes in nerve and brain cells, leading to gut and brain symptoms. Scientists hope that their findings can lead to more effective diagnostic methods and treatments for IBS.
A woman with OBS details her experience
Laura Tebbs from Cambridge, who has IBS, explains how difficult it is to live with IBS. Tebbs has struggled with depression and anxiety for ten years. However, she developed IBS after contracting COVID-19.
Tebbs reports that she felt constant pain after eating when she got IBS. She also frequently felt bloated. Tebbs also became moody and tired. Additionally, she could not go out to eat with her friends as she did in the past. Despite visiting doctors, no one could help her. It was until she met Parkes that he gave her the tools to deal with her condition.
