Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Thirty-five patients with irritable bowel syndrome were referred from the gastroenterology service and underwent structured psychiatric interviews to assess the prevalence of psychiatric illness. Thirty-three (94%) of 35 patients were found to have a lifetime prevalence of any Axis I disorder; the predominant diagnoses were mood and anxiety disorders. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.