Can anxiety cause IBS?

[christineyvette]

Hello, I'm a 21 year old female and I was just wondering if anxiety can cause IBS.
I was diagnosed with panic disorder, anxiety and GAD at 12 as well as GERD at 14. Everytime I get the slightest bit anxious or have a panic attack my stomach starts rumbling or "gurgling" and I have to go to the bathroom almost immediately. It's not always diarrhea it's sometimes just a lose stool. If my panic attack is REALLY bad then yes I'll get diarrhea but only then. I also get terrible gas. Is this caused by my anxiety or is it something else? I'm always worried to go out in public because I don't want to have to race to the bathroom. Thanks.

[christineyvette]

Thank you this helps a lot :)

[walkbyfaith618]

Yes anxiety most definitely can cause IBS to be worse. I have IBS as well as GERD, I am 25 years old & have been dealing with this most of my life. Try to help control your anxiety as much as possible & be on a strict diet to help keep "emergencies"  to a minimum. I was always embarrassed for people to find out about my problem & most people do not understand what we go thru. Try to put yourself in situations that cause less stress.  Hope this helps :/