The Effect of Probiotic Therapy on Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of probiotics on quality of life and depressive symptoms in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and moderate or severe depressive mood. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with diarrhea-predominant IBS using ROMA IV criteria and Bristol Stool Scale and moderate or severe depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory comprised the study participants. The patients were randomized and divided into two groups as the medication only group and the medication+probiotic group. IBS 36 questionnaire and Beck's Depression Inventory were administered to all patients in the first and second groups and the scores were recorded. Results: The change in IBS-36 scores from the beginning to the 10th week was significant in both groups (p<0.001). According to IBS-36 the median change from the beginning to the 10th week was 32 for the medication group, this difference was 48 for the medication+probiotic group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The change in Beck’s Depression Inventory scores from the beginning to the 10th week was significant in both the medication group and the medication+probiotic group (p<0.001). According to the Beck’s Depression Inventory the median change from the beginning to the 10th week was 7 for the medication group, this difference was 9.5 for the medication+probiotic group. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: In the treatment of diarrhea-predominant IBS patients, the use of probiotics together with classical drugs will improve quality of life by reducing both gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological symptoms.