Questionnaire Reveals Link Between Long-standing IBS and Anxiety in Older Female Patients

The data presented in this article was collected from December 19, 2024 to April 30, 2025. We are still hosting this questionnaire on our website. If you would still like to take part in our IBS questionnaire, you can follow the link here: click here. We will be sharing updates on our findings soon.

 

Understanding the IBS Questionnaire

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) questionnaire represents a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to help individuals identify their specific IBS type and understand the nature of their digestive health challenges. Developed with input from Professor John Hunter, a respected Gastroenterologist and Consultant Physician at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge, this assessment tool provides valuable insights into the complex patterns and manifestations of IBS.

The questionnaire invites participants to answer detailed questions about their bowel habits, stool consistency, pain patterns, and associated psychological symptoms. By collecting this data, the tool helps categorise respondents into distinct IBS subtypes (such as IBS-C for constipation-predominant, IBS-D for diarrhoea-predominant, or IBS-M for mixed presentation), while also identifying potential triggers and associated conditions.

With 534 complete responses collected, this questionnaire has generated substantial data that reveals important patterns about the demographics most affected by IBS and the complex interplay between digestive symptoms and psychological well being. The findings underscore the multifaceted nature of IBS and highlight the potential benefits of targeted interventions that address both physical symptoms and their psychological correlates.

 

Key Findings from the IBS Questionnaire

Analysis of the 534 questionnaire responses revealed several patterns:

1. Gender Distribution: The vast majority of respondents (84.6%) were female, compared to just 15.4% male respondents. This significant gender disparity aligns with existing research suggesting that women are approximately 1.5 to 3 times more likely to experience IBS than men, potentially due to hormonal influences, differences in gut motility, and visceral sensitivity.

2. Age Distribution: The questionnaire revealed a strong skew toward older individuals, with nearly half (47.6%) of respondents aged 65+ years, and another 38.8% between 45-65 years. This means that a remarkable 86.4% of all respondents were over 45 years old, suggesting that IBS symptoms may either persist or develop later in life, contradicting the common misconception that IBS primarily affects younger adults.

3. Predominant Stool Types: Interestingly, the distribution between different stool consistencies was remarkably balanced, with smooth & soft stools reported by 34.6% of respondents, fluffy & mushy by 34.5%, and hard lumps by 31.5%. This relatively even distribution highlights the variable nature of IBS and supports the importance of personalised approaches to treatment.

4. Anxiety Frequency: Perhaps most striking was the prevalence of anxiety, with 70.1% of respondents reporting experiencing anxiety at least sometimes (29.4% sometimes, 22.6% often, 19% very often). Only 11.1% reported never experiencing anxiety, suggesting a strong correlation between digestive symptoms and psychological distress.

5. Incomplete Bowel Emptying: A substantial 84.7% of respondents reported experiencing the sensation of incomplete bowel emptying at least rarely, with 32.6% experiencing it often and 20.6% very often. This symptom can significantly impact quality of life and contribute to ongoing discomfort and concern.

6. Urgency to Use Lavatory: The urgent need to use the lavatory was reported by 75.9% of respondents at least sometimes, with 23.1% experiencing it often and 15.3% very often. This symptom can be particularly disruptive to daily activities and social engagements, potentially contributing to anxiety and avoidance behaviours.

 

The IBS and Anxiety Relationship

The strong correlation between IBS and anxiety identified in this questionnaire aligns with established clinical observations. Research has demonstrated that psychological symptoms are typically absent in newly diagnosed IBS patients, whereas individuals who have experienced the condition for extended periods frequently present with anxiety symptoms.

This temporal relationship suggests that prolonged digestive discomfort may contribute to anxiety development over time, rather than anxiety necessarily being a precursor to IBS. This creates a challenging cycle for those with long-standing symptoms, where physical discomfort leads to psychological distress, which in turn can exacerbate physical symptoms.

The high proportion of older respondents reporting anxiety supports this hypothesis, as these individuals have likely experienced IBS symptoms for longer periods, potentially allowing more time for the development of secondary psychological impacts. The mind-gut connection operates bidirectionally, with signals constantly travelling between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system.

 

The Importance of Gut Health

The gut plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing, extending far beyond simple digestion. Often referred to as our "second brain," the gut contains an extensive network of approximately 500 million neurons connected to our central nervous system through the gut-brain axis. This intricate connection means that gut health can significantly impact mental wellbeing, immune function, energy levels, and even cognitive performance.

When gut function is compromised, as evidenced by the symptoms reported in the questionnaire, the effects can cascade throughout the body. Incomplete bowel emptying, irregular stool consistency, and urgent lavatory needs not only cause physical discomfort but can trigger anxiety, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. The high prevalence of anxiety among respondents (70.1%) highlights this critical connection.

Additionally, proper gut function is essential for nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and even the production of certain neurotransmitters. Approximately 90% of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation, is produced in the gut. This biological fact helps explain why digestive issues often coincide with mood disturbances, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms.

Recent research has also highlighted the importance of the gut microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms that inhabit our digestive system—in maintaining both physical and mental health (1, 2 & 3). Disruptions to this delicate ecosystem can contribute to IBS symptoms and potentially influence anxiety levels through various pathways, including immune function, neurotransmitter production, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier.

The questionnaire results, particularly the high rates of anxiety and physical symptoms like incomplete bowel emptying and urgency, underscore the need for approaches that address both the physical and psychological aspects of IBS. By supporting overall gut health, there is potential to not only alleviate physical symptoms but also potentially reduce the associated psychological burden.

 

How JUVIA Might Help

JUVIA offers a potential solution through its specialised formulation containing ERME™ (Enzyme Rich Malt Extract) derived from barley. This natural approach targets malfermentation, a common underlying factor in many digestive issues. Malfermentation occurs when undigested food particles ferment in the gut, potentially leading to gas, bloating, and irregular bowel movements—all symptoms commonly reported in IBS.

By providing multiple enzymes that support proper digestion and nutrient absorption, JUVIA aims to address IBS symptoms at their source rather than merely masking them. The product's barley-derived enzymes are designed to survive stomach acid, reaching the intestines where they can help break down food more effectively and potentially support a healthier gut microbiome.

For the 84.7% of questionnaire respondents reporting incomplete bowel emptying and 75.9% experiencing urgency, addressing these root digestive issues could provide significant relief. The enzyme-rich formula works with the body's natural processes to optimise digestion, potentially reducing the fermentation that can lead to gas, bloating, and irregular bowel habits.

Additionally, by supporting improved digestive function, JUVIA may help interrupt the cycle that connects physical symptoms with anxiety. As digestion improves and physical symptoms subside, the psychological burden may also decrease, potentially benefiting the 70.1% of respondents who reported experiencing anxiety.

The questionnaire findings suggest that IBS is a complex condition affecting predominantly older women and frequently accompanied by anxiety. This complexity calls for comprehensive approaches that address both the physical and psychological dimensions of the condition. By targeting malfermentation and supporting overall gut health, JUVIA offers a promising avenue for those seeking to manage their IBS symptoms and potentially improve their quality of life.

 

Conclusion

The insights gained from this questionnaire of 534 respondents illustrate the complex nature of IBS as a condition that impacts both physical and mental wellbeing. With 84.6% of respondents being female and 86.4% over age 45, these findings challenge the traditional view of IBS as primarily affecting younger populations. The strong correlation between long-standing digestive symptoms and anxiety (reported by 70.1% of respondents) suggests that addressing gut health promptly and effectively may be crucial for preventing the secondary psychological burden that develops over time.

For individuals living with IBS, particularly those who align with the demographic profile revealed in this questionnaire, approaches that target underlying mechanisms such as malfermentation represent promising avenues for relief. By addressing both the physical symptoms that disrupt daily life and potentially breaking the cycle that connects gut distress with psychological distress, comprehensive solutions like JUVIA offer hope for improved quality of life and wellbeing. As our understanding of the intricate gut-brain connection continues to evolve, so too will our ability to develop effective, personalised interventions for this challenging condition.

If you would still like to take part in our IBS questionnaire, you can follow the link here: click here. We will be sharing updates on our findings soon.