A RELAÇÃO ENTRE A SÍNDROME DO INTESTINO IRRITÁVEL, DEPRESSÃO E ANSIEDADE: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the relationship between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and depression and anxiety through an integrative literature review. The methodology employed consisted of a systematic search in the PubMed (MEDLINE) and VHL (LILACS and IBECS) databases using the controlled descriptors 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome', 'Depression', and 'Anxiety', integrating 12 articles published between 2021 and 2026. The main results demonstrate that anxiety and depression act via hypercortisolemia (HPA axis), intestinal mast cell degranulation, increased membrane permeability (leaky gut), and serotonergic dysfunction mediated by microbiota imbalances. Furthermore, genome-wide association studies confirm a shared genetic pleiotropy between these disorders. It is concluded that IBS and mood disorders share bidirectionally organic pathophysiological foundations, and that effective therapeutic management requires integrated approaches with psychopharmaceuticals, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and microbiota modulation.