What are neurotransmitters and what role do they play in IBS?
Neurotransmitters are substances that transmit nerve impulses. Serotonin is a major neurotransmitter throughout the nervous system in the gut. It has been shown to be very important in the movement of food from the mouth through the stomach, through the small intestine and colon. Serotonin also seems to be important in gut sensation and many experts believe it plays a major role in IBS. It may be the unifying link in these patients who have disordered gut motility and disordered sensation. Is there a psychological component in IBS? For many years, patients were told that anxiety or depression caused IBS, but that’s a misconception. When patients see a physician for this chronic disorder, especially after having it for many years, they are more likely to have some co-existing anxiety or depression. So the goal of therapy is to treat the entire body, especially any coexisting psychological problems, if they exist. Many patients find that their IBS improve when their anxiety or depression
