What is the condition characterized by a patient experiencing pain that is relieved by defecation and often correlates with stress?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by a collection of gastrointestinal symptoms, which include abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. One of the hallmark features of IBS is that the pain often improves after defecation. This symptom is particularly important for distinguishing IBS from other gastrointestinal disorders.

Furthermore, IBS is frequently influenced by stress, as psychological factors can exacerbate the symptoms experienced by patients. The relationship between stress and gastrointestinal symptomatology in IBS underscores the psychosomatic connection inherent in this condition, whereby emotional states can significantly impact physical health.

In contrast, conditions like Crohn's disease can lead to abdominal pain and may be associated with defecation, but the pain relief after bowel movement is not a defining feature of this inflammatory bowel disease. Panic disorder primarily deals with anxiety and does not typically present with gastrointestinal symptoms tied to defecation. Gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining and, while it can cause abdominal pain, it does not correlate with defecation relief or stress in the same manner as IBS.