It is not very clear how anxiety, stress and the irritable bowel syndrome have been interconnected, or the order of their relation but there are studies stating the co-existence between them. If we carry out interviews with patients who had diagnosed for IBS, we shall find that sixty percent of the patients with IBS will be under the measure for psychiatric problems as per Edward Blanchard, the psychology professor at New York State University at Albany.

The general mental disease that occurs to IBS patients is the GAD, an anxiety disorder as per Blanchard. He fears that more than sixty percent of IBS infected people who have psychiatric diseases definitely will contain GAD. Another twenty percent of the people suffer from depression and some of them have similar disorders.

IBS and Anxiety

No matter they have IBS, patients who have anxiety usually worry much about their money, health, career according to the Association for Anxiety Disorders in America. Other symptoms that are associated with it include upset of stomach, muscle ache, dizziness, insomnia, irritability and trembling.
There are various theories that related the co-existence of stress, anxiety and IBS.

• Though the mental problems like anxiety are not the reason behind IBS, people who have IBS will be very sensitive to psychological problems.
• Anxiety and stress can make the mind sensitive to colon spasms.
• IBS could be caused by immunity system, which is infected by stress.

Coping With Anxiety and Stress

There is some evidence that management of stress could help in avoiding symptoms of IBS. Some patients use the relaxation methods like visualization and deep breathing, for reducing stress. Others avoid stress by doing certain things which they could enjoy, like talking to friends, listening music, reading, shopping, or playing.

Doing regular workouts and physical exercises, sleeping and eating well balanced diet can reduce stress, anxiety and IBS symptoms.

They can try various techniques for stress management to check whether they can reduce the symptoms for IBS. If they find more anxious and stressed, then they can consult their physician. They should ensure they get right medical care for diarrhea and other IBS related issues. Then they must interact with some mental health expert and whether there could be some benefits from them.

People who have IBS must start using primary care doctors and work with them. They must go to psychological care only when this step does not work properly.

Considering Support and Therapy treatment for IBS

As per blanchard’s report 2/3 of the people who suffer from IBS usually get better with modification in their usual diet pattern as well as medication. The remaining 1/3 who have serious symptoms must seek psychological support. Without such support, they are not able to get out of their problems.

Behavioral therapy is found to be a good cure for certain IBS symptoms and many of the people try it. This term is used for conveying idea about various therapies which include cognitive therapy, relaxation therapy, traditional psychotherapies, hypnotherapies’ and lot more. They can help in reducing IBS symptoms for patients with tough symptoms.

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