Depression and constipation: What's the link?

ISLAMABAD -- Chronic constipation often accompanies depression. Using a mouse model, researchers investigated why this relationship might occur. They have also tested an experimental drug with encouraging results. Over the years, scientists have found strong links between psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of constipation, particularly in older adults. Around one-third of people with depression experience constipation and, according to some reports, it plays a significant role in reducing the perceived quality of life of these individuals. Some depression medications are known to reduce gut motility and slow bowel movements, but researchers believe that this fact alone cannot explain all cases of constipation. Recently, a group of researchers from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York decided to investigate this question in more detail. Specifically, they were interested in the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Study lead Dr. Kara Gross Margolis explains why she and her colleagues were interested in this topic. "Ultimately, many patients with depression are faced with limited treatment options and have to suffer with prominent [gastrointestinal] dysfunction," she said. Some scientists refer to the stomach as our...