Type A Personality & Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Did you know: people who demonstrate a type A personality tend to be at a higher risk of developing Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Sounds surprising? Research tends to link IBS to more driven individuals.But why? Let us find out. Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSCOL063167/

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?(IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is usually diagnosed when patients complain about abdominal discomfort, bloating and a change in bowel habits which can be either constipation or diarrhoea.

While there is no single cause for this condition, environmental factors – such as changes of routine, emotional stress, infection, toileting behaviours and diet – can trigger symptoms.

Treatment options include fibre rich diet, laxatives, anti-diarrhoea medications, psychological therapies and some distinct physical and behavioural therapies. Read up about the detailed list of symptoms and treatments here: https://www.ckbhospital.com/specialities/gastroenterology/irritable-bowel-syndrome/

Who is a Type A Personality??

Type A individuals are ambitious, competitive, and time-conscious. They often exhibit a high level of drive, impatience, and a constant sense of urgency in their daily activities.

How does being a driven person invite irritable bowel syndrome??

Recent studies suggest a potential connection between Type A personality traits and the development or exacerbation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder, some of the factors that might lead to triggering IBS in a person are?

Source: https://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/full/v13/i47/6414.htm#:~:text=Our%20studied%20population%20consisted%20of%2071%20patients,6.80%2C%20P%20=%200.035%20and%2031.97%20%C2%B1

• Stress Response: Type A personalities may experience heightened stress levels, triggering or aggravating IBS symptoms due to the intricate gut-brain connection. Simply put your motions and emotions must be in sync to avoid irritable bowel syndrome.
• Lifestyle Factors: Fast-paced lifestyles, common among Type A individuals, may impact dietary habits and contribute to digestive issues. Eating all sorts of junk and fast food at odd hours confuses the natural digestive rhythm that the body is used to.
• Psychosocial Factors: Personality traits can influence how individuals perceive and cope with stressors, potentially influencing the severity of IBS symptoms.

Since stress is a major trigger, medical researchers have found a direct correlation between type A personality traits and this condition. “This is not a disease but a lifestyle disorder”, explains Dr Anukalp Prakash. He also highlights that the treatment or management of the disorder involves a good amount of counselling apart from basic medication. Watch his full video here: https://youtu.be/NO2Wi_TBzoc

How can one deal with IBS at work?

It all comes down to managing the condition rather than treating this as a disease. Here are some of the management approaches doctors prescribe:

• Stress Management: Incorporate stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness or relaxation exercises.These include meditation and therapies that aim at destressing your mind and finding your inner calm.?

• Balanced Lifestyle: Prioritise a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep. A high fibre diet is one of the biggest changes you need to introduce. This will improve your gut health and internally help clean up the intestines.??

• Professional Guidance/ Counselling: Seek advice from healthcare professionals for tailored strategies to manage IBS symptoms associated with Type A traits. Since the condition is an outcome of disruption in the brain and gut axis, it is best to get counselling as it will also help the above two approaches produce the best outcomes.?

While the correlation between Type A personality and IBS is complex and individualised, recognizing and addressing lifestyle factors can contribute to better symptom management and overall well-being. Consulting with healthcare professionals helps create a personalised approach to enhance digestive health.

To know if your constipation is linked to IBS, get yourself screened by an experienced gastrointestinal specialist to have a better way to deal with this condition.