Literature Review on Stress and Psychosocial Determinants of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

In recent years, the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has developed into a multi-factorial disease involving visceral hyperactivity, changes in the nervous and humoral communication between the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system, altered intestinal microflora, and increased intestinal permeability and minimal enteral inflammation. Psychological and social factors can affect the communication between the central and enteric nervous system, and there is evidence that is involved at the IBS and affect the response to treatment and outcome. There are indications that abuse history and stressful life events are implicated in initiation of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Genetic factors and social learning mechanisms have been proposed in order to explain grouping of IBS in families Τhe psychological characteristics, such as anxiety, depression, and comorbid psychiatric disorders, health beliefs have important role in the management of patients with IBS associated with both symptoms and results. This knowledge can be the trigger for a better and more holistic treatment of IBS, by giving to patient the opportunity for a better quality of life.