Objective: Psychiatrists are likely to encounter patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We aim to provide a clinically-focused summary of psychiatric comorbidities and management.
Conclusions: IBS affects up to 15% of the population. Antidepressants and brief psychotherapy can reduce symptom severity and improve coping. These treatments are effective for patients without comorbid mental illness, as well as those with increased somatisation, health-care seeking and sexual abuse histories.
Keywords: depression; irritable bowel syndrome; mental health; psychiatry; psychotherapy.
© The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2015.