Overview

• An international survey using Rome IV criteria found disorders of gut-brain interaction rose from 38.3% in 2017 to 42.6% in 2023 across US and UK populations.
• Irritable bowel syndrome prevalence jumped 28% to 6% and functional dyspepsia increased 44% to nearly 12% following the pandemic.
• Individuals with long Covid had significantly higher rates of gut-brain disorders and reported worse anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
• This study represents the first population-level comparison of gut-brain disorder prevalence before and after the pandemic using a consistent methodology.
• Experts warn that current care frameworks are ill-equipped to handle the surge in these disorders and urge expanded research into post-Covid gut-brain interactions.