Increase in Gut-Related Brain Conditions After COVID-19
In a significant finding that underscores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, a major international study published in 2025 has revealed a substantial increase in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) following the pandemic. The study, titled "The Prevalence and Burden of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) before versus after the COVID-19 Pandemic," was conducted by Imran AZIZ and colleagues and published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
The study, which was a population-based Internet survey conducted across the UK and USA in 2017 (pre-pandemic) and repeated in 2023 (post-pandemic), found that the overall prevalence of DGBIs rose from 38.3% before the pandemic to 42.6% after it. The rise was observed within the esophageal, gastroduodenal, and bowel domains.
Two of the most widely investigated DGBIs, functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), showed large post-pandemic prevalence increases. Functional dyspepsia rose nearly 44% (from 8.3% to 11.9%), while IBS increased by 28% (from 4.7% to 6.0%).
Further analysis revealed that COVID-related factors associated with having DGBI in the post-pandemic era included an increasing number of COVID-19 infections, experiencing abdominal pain or diarrhea during COVID-19 infection, suffering with long-COVID, and not being vaccinated. Individuals with long COVID were particularly more likely to have DGBIs and reported worse anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
These findings underscore the need for updated care models and further research into the gut-brain axis post-COVID. Healthcare services and research funding bodies need to adapt to this post-COVID surge in DGBI and address how to best manage this patient group. The study provides strong evidence linking the COVID-19 pandemic with increased rates of gut-brain disorders such as IBS and functional dyspepsia, along with associated mood disturbances and reduced quality of life.
[1] AZIZ, I. et al. (2025). The Prevalence and Burden of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) before versus after the COVID-19 Pandemic. Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
[2] Additional research from Cedars-Sinai also observed a significant uptick in chronic digestive disorders like IBS during the pandemic, highlighting that psychological stress related to the pandemic likely exacerbated gut-brain axis dysfunction. (Source: [insert link])
- The increase in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) following the COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of neuroscience news that requires attention in the realm of mental health.
- The brain, a crucial organ affected by DGBIs, is at the heart of neuroscience, and understanding its interactions with the gut is essential for addressing these disorders.
- The surge in DGBIs, including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can significantly impact sleep patterns due to associated anxiety and depression.
- Workplace-wellness programs should consider the impact of chronic diseases, such as DGBIs, on employee health and productivity.
- DGBIs, being among the medical-conditions affected by COVID-19, can lead to complications in managing chronic diseases like cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health issues.
- Skin conditions may also be exacerbated by DGBIs, demanding increased awareness in skin-care routines and treatments.
- Hearing issues, often overlooked in discussions about mental health, could potentially be linked to DGBIs, warranting further investigation.
- Health-and-wellness initiatives should endeavor to address the link between DGBIs and hearing problems for comprehensive care.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines may help mitigate the effects of DGBIs on mood, making them an essential part of approaches to modern mental health.
- Sexual-health concerns are often intertwined with mental health, making it vital to consider DGBIs and their impact on sexual health.
- Autoimmune-disorders, owing to their complexity, could be affected by DGBIs, necessitating collaboration between various medical fields.
- Mental-health professionals and neurologists should collaborate in the treatment of patients with DGBIs to improve their mental well-being.
- Men's health, often overlooked, should also be taken into account when assessing the prevalence and burden of DGBIs.
- Womens-health, particularly in relation to DGBIs, is an area that requires focused attention in the post-COVID era.
- Parenting in the pandemic has been influenced by DGBIs, which may have further repercussions for children's mental health and development.
- Weight-management programs need to consider the role of DGBIs in obesity and related health issues.
- Cardiovascular-health, often affected by chronic diseases like DGBIs, is a critical aspect of overall health that deserves our attention.
- Medicare should incorporate coverage for therapies and treatments related to DGBIs to ensure comprehensive care for all.
- The growth in DGBIs highlights the need for education-and-self-development in personal-growth circles to understand the connection between the brain and gut health.
- Career-development programs should consider the implications of DGBIs on job performance and job-search strategies, as well as skills-training for individuals managing these conditions.
