$Unique_ID{BRK02332}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) All In My Head?}
$Subject{digestive system mental emotional condition conditions intestine
intestines colon irritable bowel syndrome ibs bowels movement diarrhea
constipation psychological psychosomatic psychotherapy tricyclic
antidepressant antidepressants imipramine amitriptyline legume legumes IBD}
$Volume{I-12,E-12,N-12}
$Log{
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008401.scf
Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008402.scf
Controlling Irritable Bowel Syndrome*0008403.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) All In My Head?


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QUESTION:  I guess I let things get the best of me, but just a tad of stress
in my life and I hear it from my stomach.  If there is no bathroom available,
I am in real trouble, for the urge is sudden and intense.  The worst thing is
that my doctor says it's all in my head.  I think I need real help.  Is there
anything you can tell me to make this clear?

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ANSWER:  Your doctor may not be very diplomatic, but he is on the right track.
Recent research continues to confirm that psychological makeup has a lot to do
with what doctors call "irritable bowel syndrome" (IBS)--diarrhea, or
constipation, or both.
     What I am about to pass on to you is some inside information on the way
some doctors approach irritable bowel patients like yourself.  Studies
indicate that people who fall prey to IBS tend to be depressed, anxious, or
excessively concerned about their health.  Some physicians find it useful to
classify IBS patients by personality type.  People who respond to every
situation with dramatic outpourings of emotion are called hysterical, and
respond well to recognition of their courage, self-worth, and ability to
express themselves.  For the perfectionist, detailed explanations of IBS work
best.  The self-involved narcissist needs personal instruction on self-care.
The long-suffering masochist may improve with, again, recognition of his
courage.
     This classification system probably sounds unsympathetic to you, but it
provides a method of analyzing the problem and developing the best possible
strategy to treat it.  Before you resign yourself to a lifetime of solitary
discomfort, you might at least give the psychological solution a chance?  Many
IBS patients find that psychotherapy helps them learn to solve the problems
that upset them.  Relaxation techniques may help them handle the ones they
can't solve.  Sometimes, patients get good results with minor tranquilizers or
tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine or amitriptyline.
     As for the foods that bother you, it's sensible to avoid the ones that
trigger an irritable bowel.  Common offenders are gas-producing legumes such
as beans.  Increasing fiber intake may help too, but proceed slowly and add
fiber to your diet in small amounts.  If these adjustments don't soothe your
bowels, your doctor may prescribe antispasmodic medication.
     Medications are very useful, and may be prescribed to control the many
symptoms you are experiencing.  It may be necessary to proceed step by step,
modifying the type of medication or the amount of medication you take until
you get the relief you are seeking.
     In all cases, physicians agree it's of paramount importance that the
patient take an active role in managing IBS.  You may, for example, be asked
to keep a diary of bowel habits, the foods you eat, and the emotions you feel.
A good doctor will also make sure you have a full understanding of your
condition.  It's important to know that IBS is not cancer, nor is it ever
likely to go away completely.
     By combining management techniques that consider not only your physical
symptoms and state, but your emotional, psychological and social well being,
your chances of bringing your condition under control are greatly increased.
It's a lot of work, but hopefully the end results will be worth it.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.