Study of Brain and Gut Interaction in Adults Aged 18 to 60 with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Anxiety or Depression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the gut and brain communicate in adults aged 18 to 60 who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS along with anxiety or depression. The study aims to understand if changes in gut bacteria relate to brain function changes and to identify markers that may help with diagnosis or future treatments. Two groups will be compared 100 IBS patients with anxiety or depression symptoms and 100 healthy volunteers, all right-handed. This observational study involves no new treatments or drugs. Participants will complete questionnaires about bowel symptoms, anxiety, depression, sleep, and cognitive function. They will provide stool and blood samples and undergo a 45-50 minute brain scan using a 7 Tesla MRI, where they must lie still. Some IBS patients may be invited back after 3 months for follow-up questionnaires and sample collection. Participants will be assessed through health questionnaires, sample collections, and brain imaging, with attention to IBS symptom severity changes over 3 months. Privacy is protected by coding data, and risks are minimal, including possible discomfort during MRI or brief pain from blood draws. The study offers a detailed health assessment at no cost, but no direct treatment benefits. The research aims to improve understanding of IBS and brain-gut interactions.

Anxiety and Depression in IBS: A Brain-Gut Axis Study