There is an association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depression. People may develop depression due to having the former. Some may also have depression before they develop IBS.

Gut health and mental health are connected, and living with a chronic illness can be challenging in itself. As a result, there may be various biological and psychological factors that could explain this link.

However, it is important to note that research has not established a causal relationship between IBS and depression, and not everyone with IBS experiences it.

This article looks at whether there is a link between IBS and depression, and if so, what may explain it.

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There is a possible link between IBS and depression that may exist because of the gut-brain axis.

A 2022 reviewTrusted Source defines the gut-brain axis as the connection between the digestive system and the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Researchers believe that the gut and brain may “communicate” with one another, particularly the gut’s microbiome. This is the collection of bacteria and other microbes that live in the intestines and influence digestion.

The byproducts that gut microbes create may influence the nervous system, which, in turn, influences digestion and the microbiome.

A 2021 study notes that dysbiosis, or an imbalance of gut microbes, is one of the main theories about how IBS develops. Additionally, it states that in previous studies, those with more severe mental distress tend to have more severe IBS.

It is unclear if IBS can directly cause depression on its own, but it may be a significant factor for some people. This can be down to either physical changes or the psychological effects of living with a chronic condition.

A 2023 studyTrusted Source states that up to a third of those with IBS also have anxiety or depression.

There is currently no evidence that depression on its own can cause IBS. However, stress can contribute to both conditions, and one may exacerbate the other.

A 2018 reviewTrusted Source of previous research says that the development of IBS often occurs after a stressful event, which could include depression.

However, it is important to note that not everyone with IBS gets the condition during stressful times. Some people develop IBS after an infection, for instance, suggesting many factors can disrupt digestive function.

Another mental health-related factor that has a link to IBS is the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

A 2023 retrospective analysisTrusted Source found that people who initially took higher doses of SSRIs were more likely to develop IBS later on.

Another potential cause that both IBS and depression may share is an association with traumatic experiences.

A 2022 study of veterans found that rates of IBS and digestive disorders were higher in those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than in the general United States population. Additionally, greater PTSD severity had links to worsened digestive symptoms.

Exposure to traumatic events is also a well-known risk factor for depression. In some cases, the latter is a direct symptom of PTSD.

While mental health factors can influence gut health, IBS itself is not a mental health condition. It is a functional digestive disorder that physically changes how digestion works.

This is important to emphasize, as people with IBS can experience stigma due to misconceptions about the condition. IBS is a complex condition that does not occur for one single reason, and the contributing factors can differ from person to person.

That said, it is important to recognize the role that stress, trauma, and other psychological factors may play in the development of IBS and the severity of symptoms.

A treatment plan for IBS should considerTrusted Source both physical and mental health. It may also involve several different therapies to address digestive symptoms and emotional well-being.

Depression is one of many risk factors for IBS. A 2022 study using data from the United Kingdom identified other prominent factors, including celiac disease and somatization, which is when psychological distress causes physical symptoms.

Other risk factors that the study authors mentioned include:

  • frequent or long-term antibiotic treatment
  • digestive infections
  • anxiety
  • socioeconomic status
  • being female

It is not yet certain why females have higher rates of IBS than males. However, according to a 2021 study, current theories include an interaction between environmental stressors, such as abuse, and biological disturbances, such as hormones or inflammation.

A 2023 studyTrusted Source explored additional risk factors for IBS across low- and middle-income countries, including:

Research has shown an association between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and depression. One may precede the other, or they may exacerbate each other. However, studies have not proven a causal relationship.

Gut health and mental health are intertwined via what scientists call the gut-brain axis. Other mental health factors, such as stress, trauma, and anxiety, also have an association with IBS.

Treatment for IBS should consider both digestive and emotional health. There are many nonpsychological risk factors, too, including celiac disease, antibiotic use, and social factors, such as socioeconomic status.