BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL BURDEN OF IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF QUALITY OF LIFE, MENTAL HEALTH AND DIGITAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES

Szczepan Półchłopek; Kacper Szpanelewski; Radosław Kołodziej; Anna Kołodziej; Szymon Lulek; Jakub Klecha; Emilia Kucab; Katarzyna Dziki; Izabela Kula; Joanna Ciemięga; Wiktor Adamiec; Damian Danilczuk

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5688

Authors

Szczepan Półchłopek City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1188-2830
Kacper Szpanelewski Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2517-4535
Radosław Kołodziej Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1767-5956
Anna Kołodziej Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0969-5211
Szymon Lulek Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3827-2907
Jakub Klecha Saint Queen Jadwiga Clinical Regional Hospital in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8909-9181
Emilia Kucab University Clinical Hospital F.Chopin in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4320-6327
Katarzyna Dziki University Clinical Hospital F.Chopin in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9380-1244
Izabela Kula City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7379-5062
Joanna Ciemięga University of Rzeszów: Rzeszów, Rzeszów Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0041-1671
Wiktor Adamiec City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3322-5479
Damian Danilczuk City Hospital of John Paul II in Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5755-1115

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5688

Keywords:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gut-Brain Axis, Diagnosis, Treatment, Quality Of Life

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel habits in the absence of structural abnormalities that could fully explain the reported symptoms. Despite the lack of organic lesions typical of structural gastrointestinal diseases, IBS remains a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because of its heterogeneous clinical presentation, multifactorial pathogenesis, and substantial impact on patients’ quality of life. The aim of this review was to summarize current evidence regarding epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and quality-of-life burden associated with IBS. Particular attention was paid to the variability in prevalence estimates depending on diagnostic criteria and study methodology, as well as to the role of the gut-brain axis, gut microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, immune activation, and psychosocial factors in the development and persistence of symptoms. The review also highlights the importance of a positive diagnostic strategy based on Rome IV criteria, identification of alarm features, and selective use of additional tests. Current therapeutic approaches require individualized and integrated management that combines patient education, dietary interventions, psychological therapies, and symptom-directed pharmacological treatment. IBS does not increase mortality; however, it markedly impairs social, occupational, and emotional functioning. A multidimensional, biopsychosocial approach therefore appears essential for improving both symptom control and overall patient well-being.

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