In IBS patients with anxiety/depression, the pandemic
promotes mental distress and gastrointestinal difficulties.
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| Image: COVID-19 Pandemic | InStyleHealth |
According to a study, the COVID-19 pandemic has
contributed to self-reported increases in mental distress and
gastrointestinal symptoms among people with IBS and associated anxiety and/or
depression.
The authors wanted to know how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people with IBS and associated anxiety and/or depression's ability to
engage in activities, as well as how it affected their mental distress
and gastrointestinal symptoms.
The study included those who satisfied the ROME-IV IBS
criteria and reported mild to severe anxiety or sadness. An online survey with
questions about anxiety, depression, the impact of COVID-19 on activities and
symptoms, and demographics was completed by participants.
The eligibility conditions were met by 55 people. The
pandemic had the greatest impact on the participants' capacity to spend time
with friends and family, shop for certain foods, and seek medical attention.
Furthermore, individuals reported higher levels of
stress (92%) and anxiety (81%) as well as depressive symptoms (67 percent).
Nearly half of them also had an increase in abdominal pain (48%) or diarrhea
(45%) or constipation (45%). (44 percent).
To treat these symptoms, more study is needed.
"In comparison to persons with IBS alone, individuals
with IBS with concomitant anxiety and/or depression report greater symptoms and
lower quality of life," the authors said. "The present COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to exacerbate symptoms in people with IBS who also
suffer from anxiety and/or depression."