Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel movements, estimated to affect between 10% and 15% of people worldwide. Past studies suggest that in many cases this condition is accompanied by anxiety, an emotional state marked by worry, fear and/or overthinking about specific life events.

While IBS and anxiety are known to often occur together, the biological processes linking the two have not yet been fully elucidated. One possibility is that bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract, broadly referred to as gut microbiota, contribute to these biological processes.

Researchers at Wuhan University of Science and Technology and Huazhong University of Science and Technology carried out a study aimed at shedding more light on the biological mechanisms linking a type of IBS called diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), which is associated with frequent loose stools, with anxiety.