IBD: Stress causes flares of IBD--how much evidence is enough?

摘要

In the past, several studies have suggested that psychological stress is associated with IBD and the manifestation of flares, or might even be considered a trigger for IBD, however, others were unable to support this finding. A study by Bernstein and colleagues has not proved causality, but does support the association between perceived stress, negative effects and an increase in perceived "symptoms consistent with IBD". The last phrase is important here as it needs to be emphasized that although the Manitoba IBD Index (MIBDI) used in this study is good, it only assesses symptoms consistent with IBD. Unfortunately, the symptoms scored could also be consistent with these patients having functional gastrointestinal disorders, which are common and more frequent in patients who have IBD in remission than in the general population.