Psychotherapy for IBS

There is increasing evidence that supports the view that irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of brain-gut function. The brain's ability to control motor activities of the intestines is impaired. There is an imbalance between the stomach, intestines, brain functionality, and autonomic nervous systems, and an irritable bowel syndrome treatment method should address this as well.

Medications for IBS may consist of stool softeners and laxatives in constipation-predominant IBS, and antidiarrheals in diarrhea-predominant IBS for mild symptoms. Drugs affecting serotonin in the intestines can help reduce symptoms. Serotonin stimulates the gut motility and so agonists can help constipation-predominate irritable bowel, while antagonists can help diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel.

For patients who do not adequately respond to dietary fiber, osmotic laxatives such as polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, and lactulose can help avoid 'cathartic colon' which has been associated with stimulant laxatives. Lubiprostone, is a gastrointestinal agent used for the treatment of idiopathic chronic constipation and constipation-predominant IBS.

Lubiprostone is well-tolerated in adults, including elderly patients. The secretions soften the stool, increase motility, and promote spontaneous bowel movements (SBM). Unlike many laxative products, Lubiprostone does not show signs of tolerance, dependency, or altered serum electrolyte concentration.

The use of antispasmodic drugs may help patients, especially those with cramps or diarrhea. It can be divided in two groups: neurotropics and musculotropics. Neurotropics act at the nerve fibre of the parasympathicus but also affect other nerves and have side effects. Musculotropics act directly at the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving spasm without affecting normal gut motility.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor anti-depressants, because of their serotonergic effect, would seem to help IBS, especially patients who are constipation predominant. Alosetron were trialed for irritable bowel syndrome but due to severe adverse effects namely ischemic colitis and severe constipation are not available or recommended for irritable bowel syndrome.

The mind-body or brain-gut interactions has been proposed for irritable bowel syndrome and is gaining increasing research attention. For some patients psychological therapies may help with symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to improve symptoms in a number of studies. Relaxation therapy has also been found to be helpful.

Cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnosis have been found to be the most beneficial. Hypnosis can improve mental wellbeing and cognitive behavioural therapy can provide psychological coping strategies for dealing with distressing symptoms as well as help suppress thoughts and behaviours which increase the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

A survey found IBS patients were most interested in learning about foods to avoid, causes of IBS, medications, coping strategies, and psychological factors related to IBS. The respondents indicated that they wanted their physicians to be available via phone or e-mail following a visit, have the ability to listen, and provide hope and support.

Due to often unsatisfactory results from medical treatments for IBS, up to 50 percent of people turn to complementary alternative medicine. In order to provide full reversal of the condition and produce the absolute best IBS treatment, IBS DropsRx have been concentrated with a wide spectrum of very specific plant extracts exhibiting a curative effect in treatment for IBS.

Mentha Piperata, Peppermint oil is concentrated in IBS DropsRx, which is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and system. Coming in contact with the gastric mucous membrane, they exercise at first a stimulating and afterwards sensations caused by accumulations of flatulence, providing rapid relief through reflex action by driving on the imprisoned gas.

Often after ingestion, irritable bowel syndrome pain instantly dissipates, and flatus is expelled. The antispasmodic properties of peppermint for IBS treatments have been confirmed in clinical trials, including its benefits in reducing colonic spasms. To learn more, please go to http://www.naturespharma.org.