Skip to main content

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

Latest from CCTU

Targeting the immune system could prevent future heart attacks, Cambridge-led trial suggests

Cambridge researchers have discovered that an existing therapy which boosts protective immune cells in people who have recently had heart attacks reduces…

Cambridge study finds hot flush treatment has anti-breast cancer activity

A drug mimicking the hormone progesterone has anti-cancer activity when used together with conventional anti-oestrogen treatment for women with breast…

Innovative trial offers hope on World Pancreatic Cancer Day

An early-stage trial, recently opened at Addenbrooke's Hospital, offers new hope to people with late-stage pancreatic cancer and their families.

All news