Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Patients With IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 10-15% of the adult population. This condition is characterized by abdominal pain, altered bowel habit, abdominal bloating and reduced quality of life. Options for treating IBS include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Available data on the effectiveness of CBT in IBS patients in Israel are scarce. The aim of the present study is to assess effectiveness of CBT as compared with standard therapy for IBS patients in Israel The course of CBT consisted of up to six 40 min sessions, and included education about IBS and techniques to reduce focusing on symptoms and to manage stress.Standard therapy includs life style modifications. The primary outcome measure was the score on a symptom-severity scale specific to IBS.