The effect of functional gastrointestinal disorders on psychological comorbidity and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Summary Background Symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Psychological comorbidities of anxiety and depression are also highly prevalent in IBD. Aim To quantify the burden of FGIDs in a hospital‐based cohort of patients with IBD and to determine whether there is any inter‐relationship between the presence and number of FGIDs and patients’ quality of life or psychological status. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of 61 out‐patients was performed. Data on psychological status, quality of life, disease activity and functional symptoms according to Rome III criteria were collected. Results Overall, 49 (80%) participants met Rome III criteria for a functional bowel disorder and 52% of participants met criteria for more than one FGID. Participants with no FGID had significantly better physical quality of life than those with more than two FGIDs (P = 0.025). However, there was no relationship among the number of FGIDs, mental quality of life, anxiety or depression. Conclusions Functional gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent in out‐patients with IBD. Somewhat unexpectedly, the presence of anxiety and/or depression did not appear to correlate with either the presence or the number of FGIDs.