Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Anxiety: How to differentiate between the two

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, more commonly known as IBS is linked to mental conditions like anxiety, stress and others. But it can often make it difficult for one to figure out if your IBS is just your anxiety showing up or is it actually the beast itself. Symptoms of both these disorders, too, are quite similar like an upset stomach, diarrhea and bloating and can often make one seem like the other when one is not able to figure out the root of the symptoms- it could be entirely physical or mental. The interlinked nature of both can also lead to confusion when you might have both and the former is being triggered by the latter or vice-versa. In several cases, a lot of people have found relief after undergoing treatments like hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, other relaxation techniques like massages etc.

You can always find effective treatments for your IBS, but you first need to find out the root of your symptoms. Here are ways by which you can differentiate between anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome.

It might so happen that the pain you experience during such illnesses is seriously bad, at times unbearable. IBS also changes the way your brain experiences pain, and getting anxiety because of that pain can also lead to some serious problems. The vicious cycle of one triggering the other can continue infinitely and to stop it, you must treat your anxiety properly so that the resultant IBS can be treated, thereby ending the cycle and destroying both the ailments completely.

Even though people with IBS often associate their symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea and gas with an ‘anxious’ or nervous stomach, it might so happen that your symptoms always coincide with your anxiety. This could mean that your anxiety is the true cause for your illness and that you should probably look for solutions for your anxiety so that the symptoms of IBS can subside.

Doctors mostly prescribe elaborate tests to rule out other potential fatal diseases like Cancer, food intolerances or allergies. If your lab tests are inconclusive and do not hint at a particular condition, your doctor would most likely prescribe an appointment with a psychologist for your stress or anxiety.

Keeping a journal of your symptoms may help you immensely. If you have any unusual symptoms, you should always note them down and if stress is anywhere on the list, then you should take steps to rule it out first thing because it can trigger symptoms and be the root of your illness.

You have tried all effective IBS treatments, be it changes in diet, exercise, medications or fiber but nothing seems to work out for you. It clearly points to one thing, that the root of your ailments isn’t physical.

An entire history of conditions that trigger long-lasting stress like divorces, abuse or unexpected deaths in your past can be the reason for your IBS because of the strong link that exists between stress and IBS. It is advisable to get treated for your trauma history and then observe the changes that occur in your life and health.