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Clinical review -- A psychological approach to the management of irritable bowel syndrome
May 25, 2007Antidepressants and psychological treatments such as hypnotherapy have the potential to help patients with severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), say researchers in this week's BMJ.
IBS is a very common disorder, but conventional 'physical' treatments often do not work very well and patients can feel that their symptoms are being ignored, downplayed or misunderstood.
Patients with IBS are more likely to suffer from depression and have 'abnormal' behaviour patterns including anxiety and somatisation (conversion of an emotional, mental, or psychosocial problem to a physical complaint). This has led to the idea that IBS has a psychological as well as a biological basis and a growing body of evidence supports the use of antidepressants for IBS, write the authors.
However, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe such agents to patients who are clearly not depressed.
Other "psychological" therapies exist that patients with IBS should be made aware of, they say. For example, 'talking therapy' (known as cognitive behavioural therapy) is as effective as antidepressant treatment and its benefits last longer.
Hypnotherapy has also been reported to be an effective intervention for IBS in small trials, although a recent review of hypnotherapy trials found insufficient evidence to recommend its widespread use and suggested that this treatment option should be restricted to specialist centres dealing with more severe cases of the syndrome.
Nevertheless, hypnotherapy has the potential to help those patients whose IBS is severe, say the authors.
The choice of treatment will depend on the individual patient and, inevitably, will be limited by local availability, they add. However, IBS is undeniably very common and many patients are probably denied help by lack of access to therapists with the appropriate psychological skills.
They believe that increasing provision of primary care services for patients with IBS will provide an avenue for effective and early psychological treatment for a condition in which real improvement can be achieved.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
However, many doctors are reluctant to prescribe such agents to patients who are clearly not depressed.
Other "psychological" therapies exist that patients with IBS should be made aware of, they say. For example, 'talking therapy' (known as cognitive behavioural therapy) is as effective as antidepressant treatment and its benefits last longer.
Hypnotherapy has also been reported to be an effective intervention for IBS in small trials, although a recent review of hypnotherapy trials found insufficient evidence to recommend its widespread use and suggested that this treatment option should be restricted to specialist centres dealing with more severe cases of the syndrome.
Nevertheless, hypnotherapy has the potential to help those patients whose IBS is severe, say the authors.
The choice of treatment will depend on the individual patient and, inevitably, will be limited by local availability, they add. However, IBS is undeniably very common and many patients are probably denied help by lack of access to therapists with the appropriate psychological skills.
They believe that increasing provision of primary care services for patients with IBS will provide an avenue for effective and early psychological treatment for a condition in which real improvement can be achieved.
BMJ-British Medical Journal
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Current Events and Irritable Bowel Syndrome News RSSAntidepressant and placebo are equally effective in child pain relief
When used "off-label," the antidepressant amitriptyline works just as well as placebo in treating pain-predominant gastrointestinal disorders in children, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute.
What is alternative treatment for irritable bowel syndrome when conventional therapy has failed?
IBS remains a common intestinal disorder causing significant discomfort and poor quality of life in patients who have the diagnosis.
Pinpointing cause of colic: UT Houston research identifies organism that could trigger constant crying
Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston say one organism discovered during their study may unlock the key to what causes colic, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
Mayo Clinic study finds celiac disease 4 times more common than in 1950s
Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is over four times more common today than it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology.
Review of probiotic trial research finds only Bifantis able to claim efficacy for IBS symptoms
A review by researchers at Northwestern University (Chicago, IL.) and University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI) of the utility of probiotics in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) found that Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 was the only probiotic strain out of 13 different individual strains or preparations reviewed to significantly improve symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain, bloating and bowel movement difficulty.
New studies examine the effectiveness of probiotics in IBS
Several studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando highlight the safety and efficacy of probiotics in improving symptoms and normalizing bowel movement frequency in patients suffering from constipation or diarrhea related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
New study shows health benefits of probiotic could extend to the entire body
Data from a recent study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and pathogen protection benefits of Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 a probiotic bacterial strain of human origin.
UT School of Public Health researchers discover significant efficacy of travelers' diarrhea vaccine
Researchers at The University of Texas School of Public Health have found that patients given a travelers' diarrhea vaccine were significantly less likely to suffer from clinically significant diarrhea than those who received placebo, according to a study published in this week's edition of the Lancet. The patch-based vaccine is part of the Phase 2 study in conjunction with the Iomai Corporation.
Common bowel problem linked to chili pepper pain receptor
People with irritable bowel syndrome have a higher than usual number of chilli pepper pain receptors, according to a new study published tomorrow (Wednesday 11 June).
Drug brings relief for many IBS patients who experience constipation
Many patients may soon find relief from the bloating, cramping, abdominal pain and constipation associated with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Natural Approach by Rosemary Nicol (Author), M.D. William John Snape Jr. (Foreword) Clearly written with easy-to-understand explanations, this book presents natural solutions for living comfortably with this common ailment. It maintains that thoroughly addressing the causes of IBS—diet and stress—can effectively relieve symptoms without resorting to medication. The authors offer creative dietary alternatives and recipes as well as proven methods for controlling stress—including meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises. |
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The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Solution: How It's Cured at the IBS Treatment Center by Stephen Wangen (Author) This is the authoritative resource on IBS. If you have IBS, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, indigestion, or chronic abdominal pain, there is a logical reason for your suffering. Written by Dr. Stephen Wangen, the founder and Chief Medical Officer of the IBS Treatment Center, this book explains how your symptoms can be cured. You do not need to eat more fiber, take medications or supplements for the rest of your life, or wonder if you are too stressed. You can actually live you life completely free of IBS. In this book you will discover: · What actually causes IBS. · How to find the cause of your IBS symptoms. · Why most IBS treatments don’t address the causes of IBS. · How to treat IBS once you’ve found the cause. · Where to go for help. · How... |
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Digestive Advantage IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Capsules, 96-Count by Digestive Advantage Digestive Advantage IBS is for the dietary management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is formulated to manage the full range of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms including diarrhea, constipation, bloating, cramps, and urgency. This unique formulation helps Digestive Advantage IBS normalize the gut and support a normal diet. Digestive Advantage IBS is a caplet taken once per day and provides 24-hour relief to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The power behind Digestive Advantage IBS is a patented blend of lactobacillus cultures with an amino acid which facillitates digestion of dairy, fruits, meats, and carbohydrates. Digestive Advantage IBS is unique because it helps to relieve both ends of the IBS spectrum: Diarrhea and Constipation. |
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Heather's Tummy Fiber POUCH ~ Organic Acacia Senegal 16 oz. for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Heather's Tummy Care Heather's Tummy Fiber™ ~ Organic Acacia is a medical food for the dietary management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Acacia is a natural, pure, organic, soluble dietary fiber produced from the gum of the Acacia tree. Clinical studies have shown that soluble fiber, as part of the diet: helps soothe and regulate bowel motility; relieves IBS abdominal pain and cramping by stabilizing intestinal contractions; alleviates BOTH diarrhea and constipation. Heather's Tummy Fiber™ also: increases good gut flora - it's considered a prebiotic; has excellent gastrointestinal tolerance; and slows down colonic fermentation, which in turn decreases gas and bloating. Heather's Tummy Fiber™ is completely safe and healthy for daily, lifelong use, is safe for use in children, and has no GI... |
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