| Theme |
Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| Title |
Psychiatric Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome |
| Author |
Hitoshi Miyaoka |
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kitasato University |
| Author |
Shimako Suzuki |
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kitasato University |
| Author |
Takaharu Suzuki |
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kitasato University |
| Author |
Yoshitaka Yoshimura |
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kitasato University |
| [ Summary ] |
The definition of psychosomatic disease is still in dispute. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is classified into the marginal category rather than into the core category of psychosomatic diseases, though psychosocial factors are clearly implicated in the pathogenesis. Two major psychiatric factors should be considered in the treatment of IBS. One is comorbid mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. Such cases should be treated with antidepressants and antianxiety drugs. Other is that abdominal pain and disturbed defecation, which occur when the patient is subjected to psychosocial stress. In such cases, the best treatment is to avoid stressful situations. However, as it is difficult for the patient to avoid such situations, psychotherapy and psychopharmacotherapy are employed to reduce the severity of IBS symptoms. |