Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the social disability and emotion disorder of the patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods168 patients with IBS were assessed with Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The patients with SDSS≥2 were divided into 2 groups, and accepted the medical routine therapy and explanatory psychotherapy for 2 months, while the patients in the research group (n=35) received the antidepressive. Then they were assessed with SDSS again. ResultsThe incidence of social disability in IBS patients was 40.5%, and increased in those who combined with anxiety and/or depression. The SDSS score of the research group was lower than that of the control group after the treatment. ConclusionThe social disability can be found in the patients of IBS, especially in those with emotion disorder, and can be improved by the antidepressive.

Key words: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), emotion disorder, social ability, anxiety, depression