Psychological interventions for irritable bowel syndrome: A nursing perspective

Abstract

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder. It accounts for up to 50% of all referrals to gastrointestinal departments and to this day it remains a mysterious and poorly understood condition. IBS patients can suffer from abnormal bowel function and a range of unexplained abdominal symptoms, which can have a detrimental affect on their psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life. In this article, Graeme D Smith outlines the psychological management of IBS from a nursing perspective.