Psychotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Topic Overview
Psychotherapy may be effective for
people who have severe pain caused by
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Psychotherapy involves talking with a
mental health professional about emotional and psychological problems that may
trigger symptoms of IBS. Religious or spiritual advisers may offer similar
help. Family therapy and support groups also may help in the treatment of
IBS.
Psychological treatment methods may be more effective
if used along with other treatments, such as diet modification, stress
reduction, and sometimes medicine. People with symptoms of IBS who may have
success with these treatments include people who have:1
- Diarrhea and pain as their main
symptoms.
- IBS symptoms related to psychological triggers, such as
depression, anxiety, or a history of physical, emotional, or sexual
abuse.
People who do not think that psychological factors play a role in
triggering their symptoms may not respond to psychotherapy. In addition, people
who have constipation and abdominal bloating as their main symptoms may not
respond to psychotherapy as well as those who have diarrhea and pain.
References
Citations
- Tack J (2006). Irritable bowel syndrome. In MM Wolfe
et al., eds., Therapy of Digestive Disorders, 2nd ed.,
pp. 701–710. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
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| Last Revised | May 17, 2010 |
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Last Revised:
May 17, 2010
Tack J (2006). Irritable bowel syndrome. In MM Wolfe
et al., eds., Therapy of Digestive Disorders, 2nd ed.,
pp. 701–710. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
