Cognitive-behavioral intervention for irritable bowel syndrome.

A 41-year-old white man with a 2-year history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was referred for psychological treatment. At the time of assessment he was being treated with Metamucil and Darvocet N-100s with little success. A detailed psychosocial assessment indicated several areas for cognitive-behavioral intervention. Nine months after the patient began treatment, the frequency of IBS episodes had greatly reduced, he was off narcotic pain medication, and his general health was improved as measured by clinic and emergency room visits. We suggest that psychological interventions of the type described here can be an efficacious and cost-effective treatment for IBS.