Anxiety and Depression Profile Is Associated With Eating Disorders in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of anxiety and depression states and eating disorders (EDs) between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and healthy volunteers without IBS. Methods: IBS patients according to Rome III criteria referred to our tertiary care center for therapeutic management and matched volunteers without IBS were prospectively included. EDs were screened by Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food-French version (SCOFF-F) questionnaire. IBS symptom severity (IBS symptom severity score), stool consistency (Bristol stool scale), anxiety and depression levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale), and quality of life (validated Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index) were assessed by validated self-questionnaires. Results: IBS (228) patients and healthy volunteers (228) were included. Mean age was 42.5 ± 13.9 years with mainly women (76.7%). Among IBS patients, 25.4% had positive SCOFF-F compared to 21.1% of volunteers. IBS patients more frequently had a lower body mass index (BMI) than volunteers (p < 0.0001). IBS patients with ED had poorer quality of life and more stressful life events (p = 0.02) than IBS patients without ED. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was significantly higher in IBS patients with ED than in volunteers without ED, respectively (19.0% vs 1.9%, p=0.00, and 60.3% vs 19.7%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The prevalence of ED assessed with positive SCOFF-F questionnaire was not significantly different between IBS patients and healthy volunteers. The combination of IBS and ED was associated with higher levels of anxiety or depression and poorer quality of life.

Functional gastrointestinal symptoms and increased risk for orthorexia nervosa

“…According to our results, functional gastrointestinal symptoms showed a positive relationship with symptoms of orthorexia nervosa and emotional eating. These findings are in line with previous studies demonstrating a positive relationship between somatoform disorders and orthorexic eating behaviour [50], between irritable bowel syndrome and eating disorders [11,14,15], or disordered eating behaviours [5,13]. Our results also support guidelines that point out the possible risk for orthorexia nervosa in IBS [17].…”

“…Regarding elimination diets, the low FODMAP diet (a diet low in fermentable carbs) has proven to be successful in the improvement of IBS-related symptoms [10]. However, some studies raise attention to the possible risks of rigid diets and food restrictions [11].…”

Drunkorexia behaviors and motives, eating attitudes and mental health in Lebanese alcohol drinkers: a path analysis model

“…Furthermore, emotional eating would be perceived by them as a rewarding feeling since it is used as a coping mechanism [24]. Anxiety and depression were also found to be associated with different eating disorders [25].…”

Perceived Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Association With Meals in a French Cohort of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

“…Before prescribing a diet in IBS, physicians should always search for an underlying eating disorder, which is present in one in four of our patients and is associated with severity and impaired QOL. 32 In particular, eating disorders are associated with a better adherence to low FODMAP diet in IBS. 33 Even if there is a better knowledge today of food that triggers GI symptoms in IBS, food still plays a key role in this pathology and warrants further investigation.…”