Pediatrician Questions Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Is irritable bowel syndrome a mental disorder?

My son was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome but I'm having trouble understanding the actual disorder. All I know is that he gets stomach cramps and nauseous when stressed or anxious. Is irritable bowel syndrome a mental disorder?

1 Answer

No. However anxiety increases the gastrin a hormone in the gut that makes the cramps worse and increases the emptying of the gut which make the IBS symptoms worse. A high fiber low lactose diet can help combat the cramps and diarrhea.
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