Psychological factors are not a primary cause of IBS. Psychological factors may influence how a person seeks to manage and deal with IBS. Many people experience abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea without any evidence of anxiety, depression, or other psychological symptoms.

Is IBS a psychological disorder?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic psycho-physiological disorder. It is considered to be the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder, and about 50–90% of IBS patients have associated psychiatric co-morbidity.

Is IBS physical or psychological?

We know, and have long-known, that IBS is a stress-sensitive disorder, with symptom flare ups often triggered by stressful events, and psychological treatments have demonstrated efficacy in relieving symptom severity and improving quality of life to people living with IBS.