Shape Magazine, June 2000IBS Linked to Emotional AbuseIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a digestive disorder that causes constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas and bloating affects as many as 20 percent of Americans (twice as many women as men) has been linked to past physical and sexual abuse. But a recent study at the University of Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found a link to emotional abuse in adulthood, such as threats, humilation or restrictions on a woman's personal freedom. Compared to women with inflammatory bowel disease, which has similar symptoms but can be traced to organic causes, women with IBS showed significantly higher levels of emotional abuse, self-blame and self-silencing. "We're not trying to say there's a direct causal link," says lead study author Alisha Ali, Ph.D. "But it may be one of many factors involved."