Comparison of Anxiety Sensitivity and Neuroticism in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease; it seems that psychological factors play a role in development and maintenance of IBS. The main purpose of the current study is to compare patients with IBS and healthy individuals regarding anxiety, sensitivity, and neuroticism.

Materials and Methods:

Participants included 76 IBS patients (41 female and 35 male) who referred to the Qazvin Bou Ali Sina especial Center and 76 individuals not diagnosed with IBS. All participants filled out the Anxiety Sensitively Scale and Neuroticism subscale of the Eysenk Personality Questionnaire-Revised (short scale).

Results:

Results showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of psychological factors. Sampling method and the complex nature of IBS among other factors has been discussed to account for such results.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that anxiety, sensitivity, and neuroticism cannot predict the development of IBS.