Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2025

Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Hallmark of Psychological Distress in Women?
Giuseppe Marano1,2, Gianandrea Traversi3, Roberto Pola4
1Unit of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. Women are disproportionately affected by IBS due to a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors, along with a crucial role of the gut-brain axis in modulating both bowel function and pain perception. Evidence suggests a strong association between psychological distress and IBS symptoms. Women with IBS report higher levels of psychological distress compared to men, and sex is a biological variable that shapes several aspects of the mechanisms, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of IBS. This paper explores the bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and IBS with a focus on women. Stress, anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma contribute to IBS symptomatology, and societal and biological factors unique to women may exacerbate this condition. Strategies for integrated care approaches and gender-specific treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life are needed.
Related Concept Videos
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Disorders of the Female Reproductive System

