Family history of mental illness or alcohol abuse and the irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Objective We have observed that many patients with IBS drink very little alcohol, and postulated this may reflect membership in families affected by alcoholism and mental illness. We aimed to evaluate whether a family history of substance or alcohol abuse, or psychiatric illness, is associated with IBS. Methods A valid GI questionnaire was mailed to a randomly selected population-based cohort to identify IBS and healthy controls. The electronic medical record was reviewed to record the subjects’ self-reported personal and family health histories. Results 2300 subjects responded (response rate 55%; IBS 13% n=287). 230 subjects with IBS and 318 controls were eligible. Family history of alcohol/substance abuse was reported by 33% of cases and 25% of controls (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.1, p=0.06). Family history of psychiatric illness was reported by 37% of cases and 22% of controls (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3–2.9, p<0.001). In the absence of a personal history of alcohol use, a family history of alcohol/substance abuse was predictive of IBS status (OR adjusted for age and gender 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.3, p=0.05). In the absence of a personal history of alcohol use, reporting both a family history of alcohol/substance abuse and anxiety/depression/mental illness was clearly predictive of IBS status (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.5; p<0.005). Substance abuse as a child was associated with an increased risk of IBS (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.8; p<0.03). Conclusion IBS is independently associated with a family history of psychiatric illness and may be linked to a family history of alcohol/substance abuse.

Adverse childhood experiences are associated with irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal symptom severity

“…The household mental illness EAL significantly differentiated IBS and HCs (41% in IBS vs 18% in HCs using the ACE). This result is consistent with our findings in a larger sample (28% IBS vs 13% HCs) and in a recently published population study (37% IBS vs 22% controls) . There are several factors that may explain this association.…”

“…Our results in a community sample are consistent with these findings, i.e., an increased exposure to EALs is associated with an increased odd of IBS, even after adjusting for demographic variables . In addition, the prevalence of EALs (e.g., any abuse, household substance abuse, or mental illness) in our subjects was comparable to that in large community populations of IBS and controls …”

“…9 In addition, the prevalence of EALs (e.g., any abuse, household substance abuse, or mental illness) in our subjects was comparable to that in large community populations of IBS and controls. 20,21 The household mental illness EAL significantly differentiated IBS and HCs (41% in IBS vs 18% in HCs using the ACE). This result is consistent with our findings in a larger sample (28% IBS vs 13% HCs) 4 and in a recently published population study (37% IBS vs 22% controls).…”

“…This result is consistent with our findings in a larger sample (28% IBS vs 13% HCs) 4 and in a recently published population study (37% IBS vs 22% controls). 20 There are several factors that may explain this association. It is possible that this is due to shared genetic factors as IBS clusters in families 22 and is associated with mental illness.…”

Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Treatments of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Their Impact on the Quality of Life: A Literature Review

“…Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a non-organic gastrointestinal disorder that has a negative impact on the quality of life (QoL). Currently, the diagnosis of IBS is based on new Rome IV criteria as a recurring abdominal pain related to two or more of the following conditions: defecation-related, associated with an increase in the stool frequency, and associated with a disparity in stool quality [1]. Symptom onset should occur at least six months before the diagnosis, and symptoms should be presented in the last three months, on average, and at least one day in a week.…”