Eating disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract Introduction Eating disorders (ED) constitute an important group of conditions that commonly occur in adolescents. Gastrointestinal complaints are frequently reported in ED patients. Few studies assessed the association of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with ED. The aim of the current study is to determine the prevalence of ED in a group of IBS patients and compare it with a healthy control group and assess the relationship of IBS sub-types, it's duration and severity with ED. Patients and methods 100 IBS patients diagnosed according to the Rome-IV criteria and a control group consisting of 100 healthy adults, between 18 and 65 years old, were enrolled in this study. Sub-type, duration and severity of IBS were determined. All participants were requested to fill questionnaires to screen for ED. Results 200 subjects participated in the study. 118(59%) were female and 92(41%) were male. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) score was significantly higher in the IBS group (Odds ratio: 5.3 CI 95%:4.3–9.3; p  30 was significantly higher in the IBS group (p   0.05). However, IBS severity and duration positively correlated with EAT scores. Discussion ED should be considered in the management of IBS patients. Since many psychological factors can exacerbate IBS symptoms a multidisciplinary approach consisting of medical and behavioral therapeutic modalities should be employed for a better management of these patients.