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New clues about irritable bowel syndrome found in the brain

Breakthrough research led by Addenbrooke's Hospital gives IBS patients like Laura Tebbs a better understanding of their condition.


Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition world-wide, affecting around one in 10 people and causing a wide range of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and bowel dysfunction.

The study involved over 40 institutions and looked at genetic data from more than 50,000 people with IBS and compared it to more than 400,000 people without the condition.

It found that people at greater risk of IBS were also at greater risk for common mood disorders, such as anxiety, depression, neuroticism and insomnia.

However, researchers stress this doesn’t mean anxiety causes IBS symptoms or vice versa.

For more information visit: CUH News

Published September 5 2021

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