Stress itself does not appear to cause ulcerative colitis (UC), but it can significantly worsen symptoms and increase the likelihood of relapses.
While stress isn't the root cause of UC, research indicates a strong correlation between perceived stress levels and UC flares. For example, a 2023 study involving 100 UC patients found that individuals reporting higher stress levels were 3.6 times more likely to experience a UC flare compared to those with lower stress levels. This highlights the important role of stress management in managing UC symptoms.
Therefore, although stress cannot initiate colitis, managing stress is crucial for individuals with existing conditions to minimize the severity and frequency of flare-ups.
