Gastrointestinal disorders involve both brain-to-gut and gut-to-brain pathways

New research indicates that in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or indigestion, there is a distinct brain-to-gut pathway, where psychological symptoms begin first, and separately a distinct gut-to-brain pathway, where gut symptoms start first. In the study, higher levels of anxiety and depression were significant predictors of developing IBS or indigestion within 1 year.