[Intelligence and irritable bowel syndrome].

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Gastroenterology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder.
• Psychosocial factors, including stress and neuroticism, are implicated in IBS pathophysiology.
• The role of cognitive processes, specifically Rational and Experiential Intelligence, in IBS remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in Rational Intelligence and Experiential Intelligence, particularly Constructive Thought, between IBS patients and healthy controls.
• To explore the relationship between psychological factors (anxiety, neuroticism, stressful life events) and cognitive functions in IBS.
• To examine if consulting a doctor influences these cognitive and psychological markers in IBS patients.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 100 IBS patients and 100 healthy controls, excluding individuals with intellectual deficits or recent psychiatric illness.
• Participants completed validated psychological assessments and tests for Rational Intelligence and Constructive Thought.
• IBS patients were divided into two groups: those who regularly consulted a doctor and those who did not.

Main Results:

• IBS patients showed significantly higher levels of neuroticism, anxiety, and a history of stressful life events compared to controls.
• Rational Intelligence was comparable between IBS patients and controls, with a slight decrease noted in IBS patients who frequently consulted a doctor.
• Experiential Intelligence, specifically Constructive Thought, was significantly lower in IBS patients, characterized by reduced emotionality and effectiveness, and increased superstitious thinking and rigidity.

Conclusions:

• Suffering from IBS is associated with increased neuroticism, anxiety, stressful life events, and diminished Constructive Thought.
• Seeking medical consultation for IBS correlates with increased anxiety, reduced Constructive Thought, and lower Rational Intelligence.
• The findings suggest that Experiential Intelligence, being modifiable, may offer a therapeutic target for improving IBS symptoms and managing stress-related aspects of the condition.