IBD significantly reduces quality of life, and is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, cognitive impairment, and fatigue. Some evidence suggests a relationship between psychological factors (such as stress or anxiety) and IBD symptoms, but it’s still unclear whether these psychological factors cause symptoms to worsen, or vice versa.[1]
What role might the gut-brain axis play in IBD?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) worsens quality of life and is associated with higher anxiety, depression, stress, cognitive impairment, and fatigue. Although some evidence suggests a connection between psychological factors and IBD symptoms, it remains unclear whether these factors worsen symptoms or are a result of them.