Abstract

Introduction: Various studies have indicated that emotional disorders are prevalent in IBS patients and they are related to onset and severity of symptoms. The aim of this study was to compare the difficulties in emotion regulation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and normal people.

Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive-comparative type. Of the patients with irritable bowel syndrome referred to Isfahan Digestive Health Center, 30 patients by controlling emotional problems were selected. For comparison, 30 individuals without digestive problem (normal) were matched with the patient group according to the emotional problems and gender. Information was collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale) DERS) and the short form of Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21).

Results: Mann-Whitney Test results showed that despite controlling emotional problems (depression, anxiety and stress), there were significant differences between patients with irritable bowel syndrome and normal people in terms of difficulties in emotion regulation and its components, except emotional awareness component(P<0. 01, P< 0. 05).

Conclusion: Patients with irritable bowel syndrome, due to lack of adaptive emotion regulation skills and existence of some emotional dysregulation factors, experience further and more severe negative emotions. Thus, it will cause that their emotion regulation faces more difficulty.