Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and alcohol abuse or dependence
- PMID: 9741950
- DOI: 10.3109/00952999809016913
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and alcohol abuse or dependence
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been reported in 10-22% of adults. Using a semistructured clinical interview to study the prevalence of IBS, we compared 31 patients seeking treatment for alcohol abuse or dependence in an outpatient setting with an age- and sex-matched control group of 40 patients who were seeking treatment in a general physician's office for other medical illnesses. The control group did not have any Axis I disorders. IBS was diagnosed according to the criteria of Drossman et al. Thirteen (41.9%) patients with alcohol abuse or dependence met the criteria for IBS, in contrast to 1 (2.5%) patient in the control group. We conclude that IBS is common and frequently underdiagnosed in patients with alcohol abuse or dependence.
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