Effects of Stress on Physical Health - Colitis

• Colitis is a painful gastrointestinal disorder in which the large intestine (colon) becomes inflamed.
• It is characterised by severe abdominal cramps, disturbed bowel habits (diarrhoea sometimes alternating with constipation), and may involve pain in the lower abdomen and bleeding in the stools.

Mucous colitis

• In this condition, the mucous lining of the colon is affected.
• The mucus may be dissolved and eliminated in the stools.
• The person experiences pain every time they eat or eliminate.

Ulcerative colitis

• In ulcerative colitis, ulcers develop in the mucous membrane of the colon.
• These ulcers lead to bleeding through the rectum.
• It can occur at all ages and, once it appears, it often becomes a chronic (long‑lasting) condition.

• Inflammation of the colon.
• Severe abdominal cramps and pain in the lower abdomen.
• Diarrhoea, sometimes along with constipation.
• Passage of mucus and blood in the stool.
• Pain or discomfort associated with eating and elimination.

• Classified as a psychophysiologic / psychosomatic disorder.
• Strong positive relationship between emotional stress and colitis.
• Psychological factors influence the onset and worsening of physical symptoms.

Role of Emotional Stress

• Stressful events (death of a loved one, exam failure, unemployment) intensify symptoms.
• During such stress, pain, diarrhoea and bleeding may increase.

• Engel (1975) stressed the role of damaging, stress-producing family relationships.
• The relationship with the mother is often central and problematic.
• Patients with colitis commonly show a strong dependency on one parent.
• They usually have only a few, very intimate relationships.
• These patterns are seen as factors that increase vulnerability to colitis or its aggravation.

• Colitis is a painful inflammatory disorder of the colon with symptoms such as cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, and bleeding.
• The two types mentioned are mucous colitis and ulcerative colitis.
• Ulcerative colitis often becomes a chronic condition once it appears.
• Colitis is considered a psychophysiologic disorder because emotional stress is closely linked to the onset and aggravation of symptoms.
• Stressful life events like bereavement, exam failure and unemployment can worsen symptoms.
• Engel (1975) emphasised the role of stressful family relationships and dependency on parents in the development and course of colitis.