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Can panic disorder present as irritable bowel syndrome?
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Pharmacologic treatment for panic disorder rapidly resolved gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with co-occurring irritable bowel syndrome. This suggests anxiety may underlie some functional gastrointestinal complaints.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Panic disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common conditions.
- A significant overlap exists between gastrointestinal (GI) and anxiety disorders.
- The relationship between panic disorder and functional GI complaints warrants further investigation.
Observation:
- This case series describes five patients with diagnosed panic disorder and IBS.
- Patients presented with both panic attacks and significant gastrointestinal distress.
Findings:
- All five patients experienced rapid and dramatic improvement in both panic and GI symptoms.
- Symptomatic relief was achieved through pharmacologic treatment targeting panic disorder.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential link between primary anxiety disorders and functional GI symptoms.
- Treating panic disorder may be an effective strategy for managing certain gastrointestinal complaints.
- Further research is needed to explore the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying this comorbidity.