Emotional and personal characteristics and quality of life in women with irritable bowel syndrome

The aim of the study. To investigate personal and emotional features and quality of life of women with IBS depends on age and IBS type. Materials and methods. Totally 245 patients with IBS were examined: women - 783, men - 62; middle age 45,3 ± 6,9 years (79-8 7 years); IBS-D type was diagnosed in 88 patients, IBS-C type - 48, IBS-M type - 709. Two groups of women with IBS were analyzed: under 45 year (n = 90) and 45 years and older (n = 93). IBS diagnostic criteria according to Rome III (2006) were used; the level of depression was assessed according to Beck's scale, anxiety rate - by Spielberger-Hanin questionnaire, alexithymia-by TAS questionnaire and quality of life - by MOS-SF 36. Results. IBS is more frequent in women than in men (3:7) independent on age. IBS-C type occurs only in women (not in men) in both age groups. The depression and anxiety rates are significantly higher in women than in men (p < 0.05), predominantly by the women's group of 45 years and older. Besides the depression, personal anxiety an alexithymia rates were significantly higher in the women's group of 45 years and older than those in the women's group of under 45 years. The rate of alexithymia increases with age both in men and in women with IBS (p < 0,05). The physical component of health is much lower in women than in men independent on age (p < 0,05). The highest levels of depression, personal and actual anxiety rates can be seen in the women’s group under 45 years with IBS-C type, and in the women's group of 45 years and older with IBS-D type. Conclusion. IBS is more frequent in women than in men independent on age. Changes in psycho-vegetative status, particularly depression and personal anxiety are more frequent in women, especially in women of 45 years and older. The physical component of health is much lower in women than in men independent on age.

IBS, women, depression, anxiety, alexithymia, quality of life

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