Irritable Bowel Syndrome Pt.2: Mental Health and IBS: Promising Psychological Treatment Options

Now we’ve got an understanding of some of the key brain-based elements of irritable bowel syndrome, we’re going to unpick some of them in more detail. Last time, we touched on how stress can be a significant contributing factor to many common IBS symptoms. Today, we’re going to look deeper into the intricate connection between mental health and this complex gastrointestinal condition. We’ll also discuss some proven effective psychological interventions that can help address it.

The link with mental health 

A wide body of research suggests that anywhere from 60 to 90 percent of IBS patients suffer from some form of psychological distress. Among the most prevalent conditions observed are anxiety and depression. 

In line with this thinking, patients experiencing depression often suffer from increased IBS-related pain sensitivity, and those with anxiety frequently report more severe gastrointestinal symptoms than those without it. 

The connection between mental health and IBS can be understood through the lens of the gut-brain axis that we previously discussed. This two-way system of continuous communication means that existing mental health issues can directly affect the gut and the functioning of the bowel, and, simultaneously, chronic IBS symptoms can instigate symptoms of a range of psychological disorders, including depression and anxiety. 

Psychological-based treatments for IBS patients

With that said, there is an increasing number of psychological treatments available to target the mental and emotional aspects of irritable bowel syndrome. Let’s take a look at a few of the most well-researched ones at present:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, otherwise known as CBT, has been shown to be a valuable treatment for many who suffer from IBS. By implementing a range of coping strategies and helping sufferers to identify the thought patterns that contribute to their emotional concerns and, consequently, many of their IBS symptoms, CBT can have a noteworthy impact on the frequency and severity of flare-ups for many people. 

Gut-directed hypnotherapy 

For those looking for an alternative treatment option, there is growing research to indicate that what’s known as gut-directed hypnotherapy also offers promising results in treating IBS symptoms. Trials have revealed that by helping the brain to effectively reduce its sensitivity to gut signals, patients can reach a calmer state in which bowel dysfunction, bloating, and abdominal pain symptoms are substantially reduced.