Psychiatric and psychological dysfunction in irritable bowel syndrome and the role of psychological treatments

Psychosocial variables play a substantial role in the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) condition of many patients. Evaluating and addressing adverse psychosocial factors is important to achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes with those patients. This can be achieved efficiently through psychosocial interviewing, establishing a solid therapeutic relationship, and judicious and tactful application of psychotropic medications and psychological treatments. Success in addressing psychosocial factors in clinical encounters benefits not only patients, but also the gastroenterologist through increased work satisfaction because of reduced difficulty and frustration in working with IBS patients.