Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients of irritable bowel syndrome fulfilling Rome IV criteria: An observational study.

Background: Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome have been introduced recently hence, there are very few studies conducted to know the prevalence of IBS using these criteria. Prevalence of psychiatric disorder vary depending on criteria used. In view of these facts, this study was conducted to estimate prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients of IBS fulfilling Rome IV criteria. Material and Methods: Observational study at a tertiary care hospital in northern India. We included 100 patients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome fulfilling ROME IV criteria and assessed for different psychiatric manifestations using Patient health questionnaire after taking informed written consent. Results: 75% of the IBS patient had more than one psychiatric comorbidity, while 25% had no psychiatric illness. The most common psychiatric comorbidity observed was generalized anxiety disorder 44%, followed by major depression in 38%, somatization disorder in 23%, panic disorder 18%, alcohol use disorder 18% and eating disorder. Statistically significant difference was found among patient having somatization disorder, eating disorder and alcohol use disorder among male and female. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for regular counselling regarding psychiatric associations in IBS patients.