Prevalence and Risk of Suicidal Ideation in Individuals With Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Introduction Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gut–brain interaction characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits in the absence of identifiable organic pathology. Despite its association with suicidality, the scope of this relationship remains underexplored and unclear, potentially compromising effective medical care, which may have contributed to increased suicide‐related mortality in this vulnerable population. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD4202461996), a systematic search was done in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO for studies that assessed the prevalence and risk of suicidal ideation in individuals with IBS. Primary analysis employed random effects meta‐analyses. Results A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of suicidal ideation among IBS patients was 14% (95% CI: 8–22). Compared to non‐IBS controls, IBS patients exhibited a significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation (RR = 1.91, 95% CI:1.20−3.05) in individuals with IBS compared to controls without IBS. A systematic review of associated factors found that having psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety, IBS‐Constipation subtype, and increased IBS severity were significant risk factors for suicidal ideation. Conclusion This study underscores the positive association of suicidal ideation with IBS and highlights the multifaceted nature of IBS, encompassing both gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to IBS management to reduce overall morbidity in this vulnerable group.