March 15, 2007 – There are many things in common between people who develop irritable bowel syndrome following an episode of gastroenteritis. New Zealand researchers say they are anxious, stressed and do not take time to rest when they are suffering from gastroenteritis1.
These researchers attempted to establish whether mood and certain personality traits can lead to irritable bowel syndrome. Six hundred and twenty adults with bacterial gastroenteritis, but who did not suffer from any other bowel disease, participated in the study.
Participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess their level of stress, anxiety and perfectionism as well as their behavior and mood at the time they had gastroenteritis.
After three months and six months, a test was done to see if any participants had developed irritable bowel syndrome. According to the results, of the 49 participants who had this syndrome, several shared the same negative attitudes and behaviors. They were more stressed and anxious than others and exhibited more psychosomatic symptoms. Perfectionism, however, was not associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
These same people were also more reluctant to reduce their activities or stop working when they had gastroenteritis, at least until their bodies told them to. Women were twice as likely to be affected by irritable bowel syndrome as men.
The researchers encourage those whose symptoms of gastroenteritis persist to slowly resume their daily activities. They also offer people with irritable bowel syndrome to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy.
Andrée-Anne Guénette – PasseportSanté.net
According to BBC News, WebMD and Reuters.
1. Spence MJ, Moss-Morris R, The cognitive behavioral model of irritable bowel syndrome: a prospective investigation of gastroenteritis patients, Gut. 2007 Feb 26.
