A psychological perspective of irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and often intractable disorder. Although the causes of this syndrome are not clear, psychological factors do play a major role in determining whether a patient seeks medical care. Patients who have IBS tend to suffer from a psychiatric disorder, most notably anxiety and depression. Traditional medical care with its emphasis on pharmacological interventions and dietary changes has not been effective. Psychotherapy has been shown to be an important, yet underutilized, approach in the treatment of IBS. A clinical example of a young man suffering from IBS illustrates how traditional medical care and psychotherapy enhance the treatment of this disorder.