Keeping Fit and Healthy

Keeping Fit and Healthy

The Psychological Approach to IBS Treatment

by Mildred Dixon

The days in which a doctor would tell you that a medical condition only exists in your mind are long gone, and a doctor would now be more inclined to investigate the psychological manifestation of a physical ailment. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) certainly doesn't only exist in a patient's mind, and yet some forms of treatment can focus on the psychological aspect of the condition, and with good reason too. 

The Development of IBS

The onset of IBS typically occurs from someone's teenage years through to their 40s. The abdominal pain, digestion issues, and changes to your bowel habits can develop slowly, and can regularly fluctuate in their intensity. It's impossible to conclusively self-diagnose IBS, and so these symptoms should be assessed by a doctor to ensure that there isn't another cause, such as another gastrointestinal disorder, or an irregular growth. Although there isn't a direct cure for IBS, it can be managed quite efficiently.

Treating the Symptoms

When your IBS has developed in adulthood, you might be wondering about what caused it. In addition, has something happened in your life that may have triggered your IBS? A medical consultation is necessary, and your doctor should be able to treat the symptoms of your IBS. This can involve changes to your diet, along with the recommendation of certain dietary supplements. Medication (laxatives and antispasmodics to relax your bowels) can also be beneficial. Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome treatment can also involve an assessment of your mental health.

Psychological Triggers

Studies have found that some 94% of people affected by IBS are also affected by a psychiatric disorder. Although that might sound alarming, it's important to remember that this includes issues such as stress, depression, and anxiety. This is why antidepressants are often used to treat IBS if these triggers are evident. People with IBS can also explore the process of counseling, as in talking to a qualified therapist to identify sources of stress, depression, and anxiety in your life, allowing you to take proactive steps to manage these sources. It won't entirely eradicate your IBS, but it can help to lessen its impact.

Truly effective IBS treatment often involves a versatile approach, and it's helpful to remember that some symptoms associated with the condition can partially be a physical manifestation of a psychological trigger. For more information, contact a company that provides irritable bowel syndrome treatment options. They can help you if you can this condition.


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About Me

Keeping Fit and Healthy

Hello. My name is Diana and I am 65 years old. As the years have gone by, I have realised that I need to take better care of my body. As a young woman, I used to spend a lot of time hanging around bars, drinking too much and smoking too many cigarettes. When I finally married, I would sit around in the house all day and eat plates of food. I put on a lot of weight and started to experience a range of health problems. Thankfully, I eventually visited my local health care clinic and received the help I needed to become a healthy human being. I was so pleased with the treatment and I learnt so much that I decided to start a blog.