The effect of functional gastrointestinal disorders on psychological comorbidity and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND: Symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Psychological comorbidities of anxiety and depression are also highly prevalent in IBD. AIM: To quantify the burden of FGIDs in a hospital-based cohort of patients with IBD and to determine whether there is any inter-relationship between the presence and number of FGIDs and patients' quality of life or psychological status. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 61 out-patients was performed. Data on psychological status, quality of life, disease activity and functional symptoms according to Rome III criteria were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 49 (80%) participants met Rome III criteria for a functional bowel disorder and 52% of participants met criteria for more than one FGID. Participants with no FGID had significantly better physical quality of life than those with more than two FGIDs (P = 0.025). However, there was no relationship among the number of FGIDs, mental quality of life, anxiety or depression. CONCLUSIONS: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent in out-patients with IBD. Somewhat unexpectedly, the presence of anxiety and/or depression did not appear to correlate with either the presence or the number of FGIDs.