Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life in Adults and Older Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Observational Analysis of MEPS National Database

Comorbid depression and anxiety substantially reduce both physical and mental HRQoL among individuals with IBS, with distinct age-specific patterns. Younger adults are primarily affected in mental domains, whereas older adults experience broader impairment in in physical and mental domains. These findings suggest the need for integrated clinical approaches that address both IBS and mental health to improve overall HRQoL in IBS patients.