Why PTSD and IBS Occur Together

Why PTSD and IBS Occur Together PTSD Related Conditions Print The Relationship Between PTSD and IBS By Matthew Tull, PhD twitter Matthew Tull, PhD is a professor of psychology at the University of Toledo, specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder. Learn about our editorial policy Matthew Tull, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 08, 2020 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children Anna Bizon / Getty Images At first glance, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may not seem to have any special connection. However, PTSD and IBS often occur together. If you have PTSD, IBS, or both, understanding how theyre connected can help you seek out the most appropriate treatment. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Statistics and Causes IBS is a digestive disorder thats more common than you may think. Here are some statistics: Between 25 and 45 million Americans have IBSTen percent to 15 percent of people worldwide have IBSIBS is more common among women; 2 out of 3 sufferers are femaleMost people who have IBS are under 50 years old People with IBS have chronic abdominal pain and major problems with bowel function such as urgent diarrhea, chronic constipation, or, at different times, both. IBS appears to stem from a malfunction in how the intestines work; however, this malfunction is not well understood or easily detected. The causes of IBS are not completely understood either, but there is evidence connecting IBS with certain mental health problems. For example, compared to people without IBS, people with IBS are more likely to have mood and anxiety disorders. The mental health problems occur first, then the IBS, suggesting that having any of these problems may increase your risk of developing IBS. The Connection Between PTSD and IBS If you have PTSD, youll be interested to learn that anxiety disorders, particularly PTSD, are the mental health problems most likely to occur before IBS. In fact, theres a strong link between stress and IBS. People who have IBS also seem to have higher rates of exposure to traumatic events. For example, one study of  21,264  urban African Americans found that 8.2 percent had IBS, with nearly 82 percent of those are female. The study also found a strong association between PTSD and IBS: African Americans with IBS are twice as likely to also have PTSD. ?A study  of women veterans with and without IBS found that 22 percent of the women with IBS also had PTSD compared to 11 percent of the women who didnt. Why Traumatic Events and PTSD Can Lead to IBS Its not clear why traumatic events and PTSD can lead to IBS, but its likely that chronic stress from a traumatic event or PTSD can harm your digestive system. In PTSD, your bodys fight or flight response is frequently activated, releasing a substance in the brain called corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Among other things, CRF increases mucus and water secretion in your colon and disrupts colon motility (speed of muscle contraction). Its likely, then, that high levels of CRF contribute to the development of IBS in people with PTSD. How the Fight or Flight Response Is a Natural Response to PTSD The Benefits of Treating Both PTSD and IBS If you have PTSD and IBS, the stress of having PTSD can make your IBS symptoms worseâ€"and vice versa. Fortunately, treating your PTSD may also improve your IBS. One of the most effective treatments for PTSD is exposure therapy  and other options are also available. If youre looking for a PTSD treatment provider, a number of websites can help you connect with providers in your area. The 9 Best Online Therapy Programs