Observational Study of Patients with IBS to Determine Long-term Course

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    An Inception Cohort to Assess the Influence of Anxiety, Depression, and Resilience on the Future Prognosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

  • IRAS ID

    331516

  • Contact name

    Alexander Ford

  • Contact email

    a.c.ford@leeds.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Leeds

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    15 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition affecting the tummy, diagnosed using the Rome criteria. The most recent version is Rome IV, which separates people with IBS into groups based on stool frequency and form. These groups are used to guide treatment decisions. Despite its impact on daily life, most studies in irritable bowel syndrome have been limited to short-term observations typically 12 months, overlooking its prolonged effects.
    Our 10-year research aims to examine irritable bowel syndrome comprehensively from various perspectives. The crucial role of psychological health in irritable bowel syndrome is widely acknowledged. The Rome IV criteria, while acknowledging its significance, does not include this as part of how people with irritable bowel syndrome are assessed. Studies also indicate that resilience levels (ability to adapt) may affect irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Therefore, we aim to see how psychological comorbidities, such as symptoms of anxiety or depression, and resilience levels among patients with irritable bowel syndrome influence the prognosis of irritable bowel syndrome.
    We will administer a questionnaire during the initial hospital appointment for individuals suspected of having irritable bowel syndrome. We will also request permission to access their hospital medical records throughout their care in the irritable bowel syndrome clinic and for 10 years after their first clinic visit to ensure no alternative diagnosis for organic disease was made. We will seek their consent to contact them in the future via email, at 12 months after recruitment, regarding their symptoms.

  • REC name

    North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/NW/0188

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Jun 2024

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion