Health · Mental Health · 14 hrs ago
Irritable bowel syndrome care includes mental health and lifestyle
Irritable bowel syndrome affects an estimated 5% to 10% of people worldwide and is a common digestive condition.
Doctors in Brazil discussed how it can be linked to emotional health in both directions.
Anxiety and depression can worsen gut symptoms, while physical symptoms can intensify anxiety and depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the best-studied non-drug approaches for related emotional symptoms.
Doctors say medication may also be needed when the condition occurs alongside an anxiety or depressive disorder.
They also identify good sleep, exercise and suitable food choices as important parts of care.
Poor sleep can increase stress and worsen symptoms, while exercise may support well-being and bowel movement.
Irritable bowel syndrome care can involve mental health support, sleep, exercise and diet in addition to medication.
The condition affects an estimated 5% to 10% of the world’s population, according to CNN Brasil.
Specialists said emotional factors can worsen intestinal symptoms, while physical symptoms can intensify anxiety and depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most studied non-drug approach for associated anxiety and depression, the report said.
Exercise, suitable food choices and good-quality sleep were described as key parts of non-drug care.
- Who
- Gastroenterologist Flavio Steinwurz and psychiatrist Arthur Danila discussed care for irritable bowel syndrome.
- What
- The report described treatment that includes mental health support and lifestyle measures, alongside medication when needed.
- When
- Published October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The specialists discussed the issue on CNN Sinais Vitais; no physical location for the discussion is stated.
- Why
- Emotional factors and lifestyle can affect symptoms, and the condition can occur alongside anxiety or depression.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This can be conducted in an organized, structured way through psychotherapy.
People use screens until late at night, end up harming the quality of sleep and reducing sleep time.
Sleep is the moment when we gather our energy to restore, consolidate our memory and prepare for the next day.
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- Global prevalence
- 5% to 10% of the population
- Non-drug therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most studied approach for associated anxiety and depression
- Lifestyle measures
- Exercise, suitable food choices and quality sleep
- Specialists
- Flavio Steinwurz and Arthur Danila
Sources
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