Psychological stress is a well-established risk factor for IBS, to the point that some claim IBS is a condition of “irritable bowel and irritable brain.”[1] Changes in the gut-brain axis induced by stress can aggravate IBS symptoms through multiple different pathways involving the microbiome and the nervous system. It is estimated that around 45% of individuals with IBS may also have anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders.[2]
Can stress make IBS worse?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Stress is a significant risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because it can worsen symptoms through changes in the gut-brain axis and affect the microbiome and nervous system. Approximately 45% of individuals with IBS may also experience anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders.