Depression and constipation: What's the link? Published By Tim Newman Fact checked by Carolyn Robertson Chronic constipation often accompanies depression. Using a mouse model, researchers investigated why this relationship might occur. They have also tested an experimental drug with encouraging results. Depression and constipation often go hand in hand. Over the years, scientists have found strong links between psychiatric disorders and an increased risk of constipation, particularly in older adults. Around one-third of people with depression  experience constipation and, according to some reports, it plays a significant role in reducing the perceived quality of life of these individuals. Some depression medications are known to reduce gut motility and slow bowel movements, but researchers believe that this fact alone cannot explain all cases of constipation. Recently, a group of researchers from Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York decided...