Ulcerative Colitis And Depression

Ailments like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome - are they linked to depression? There is a link according to old studies but results are inconclusive and vague.

Ailments like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome - are they linked to depression? Well, you don't have to be a medical expert to conclude that any illnesses or for that matter any bad or negative thing is inevitably linked to depression. But the answer to the question is not exactly yes.

First, let's make sure we have the meanings clear. Depression can be described as a general low feeling and the opposite of feeling cheerful, sadness if you will. But sometimes it can be serious enough to be classified as a disorder. Depression can cause other symptoms like change in sleep and food patterns, aches and pains, behavior changes, social isolation, reckless behavior and sometimes even dangerous, murderous and suicidal behavior.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a feeling of discomfort and pain in the digestive system caused by infections and immune reactions. It is a relatively minor aliment and can be controlled through diet and medication. Ulcerative colitis on the other hand is a more serious condition and requires special attention. It is an inflammation of the colon and the severity of the symptoms can very within a wide range in one patient. Crohn's disease, like ulcerative colitis is also a form of inflammatory bowel disease but is distinct from ulcerative colitis.

So back to the question - do ailments like ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome have a link to depression? Well, studies have been conducted on the links between bowel conditions and depression. Links have been found, but what exactly those links are is a bit of a grey area. Besides, these studies were conducted long ago when technology was not so advanced and the results were mostly written off as inconclusive and unreliable and medical research at that time would rather focus its attention on the new and more serious issues of cancer and AIDS.

Whether stomach ailments can cause depression is unclear, but on the other hand, the opposite is certified true! But this is a very general knowledge - mental state can definitely affect recovery from diseases and ailments. This has been proved over and over again - positive or negative thinking does have a physiological effect.