What part does stress play in IBD?
Emotional stress plays a large part in the health of some patients and is often cited as the trigger of a relapse, though there is no clear cause and effect relationship proven. It may be more likely be that stress is one result of a flare-up rather than being a factor contributing to one. Treatment of IBD sometimes may usefully include the teaching of stress reduction techniques such as meditation. This is a controversial subject with somewhat “political” overtones. Many patients resent the assumption of family and friends and even some doctors that stress is a cause of their illness, when in fact it is just an exacerbating factor (as is the case with other illnesses, as well). Many people need reassurance that all this is not their fault or “all in their head”. It’s been proven that stress does NOT cause IBD, although with IBD as with any illness stress can exacerbate symptoms. Because of the nature of these illnesses and the unpleasant symptoms that result patients frequently feel v
