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.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also known as spastic colon; it is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It is commonly characterized by abdominal pain, constipation, and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Though it creates a great deal of discomfort to its sufferers but it does not cause lethal disease like cancer nor is it a permanent intestinal disorder. Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be controlled by stress management, proper diet and medicines prescribed by doctors.

It is a very common ailment nearly 20% of the adult population suffers from this.

Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The main symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are abdominal pain and discomfort. Some suffer from constipation that is difficult-to-pass stool and random bowel movements. Often patients complain of straining and cramping during bowel movement. Some people experience diarrhea which is loose watery stools and occurs frequently. They unable to work comfortably and cannot even travel a short distance due to the urgent need and a frequent feel to have a bowel movement. Sometimes the symptom subsides for a few months but again reappears.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Though the exact causes of IBS is still unknown to researchers but it is presumed that it is a kind of irritation the colon suffers from due to over reaction of certain foods. Intestines can contract while consuming fats and caffeine which causes cramping. Chocolate, dairy foods like butter and cheese and excessive drinking of alcohol can make the situation worse.

Doctors prescribes drugs such as Hyoscyamine, Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin and dicyclomine, Bentyl, Di-Spaz which can help relax the contractions and cramping in the intestines. Hot baths can also give you comfort.

To control Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Eat small meals after every 4hrs, don’t keep the stomach empty. Drink at least 3 liters of water daily, as water plays a vital role in curbing constipation. Foods with fat content must be avoided and a healthy diet should be followed. Do some physical exercises or yoga to reduce mental stress.

Though symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome may make your life with full of discomfort or make you disable to go out for small trips but they are not harmful, it does not cause lethal diseases like cancer or tumor.

Fiber helps a lot for the improvement of the work of the intestines. Generally we find two types of fibers: Soluble fiber which can dissolve in water and form a gel-like material. It can help for the treatment of diarrhea and constipation. Apples, beans and citrus fruits are some examples of foods containing soluble fiber. Psyllium, is a vegetable fiber, it is also a soluble fiber. You can also buy psyllium supplements which can be added to food items or water in prescribed amounts and then can be taken by patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Insoluble fiber which is found in whole grain breads, many vegetables and wheat bran helps in curing constipation by easy movement of food materials through the digestive tract. People who are suffering from gas and bloating can also gain from high fiber content foods.