Patients who relate their symptoms to stress or anxiety usually benefit from a better understanding of the condition. Sometimes counselling in stress management is helpful. Others with more severe symptoms may benefit from hypnotherapy. If anxiety or depression are a major part of the problem, psychotherapy may help. Treatment with an antidepressant may also reduce symptoms.
Antispasmodic drugs help some patients, but response is variable.
Constipation may require additional laxative treatment under medical supervision. Diarrhoea can also be controlled, particularly if it is limiting activity, mobility and lifestyle. In many cases, reassurance, explanation and symptomatic treatment are all that is required and regular medication is not necessary. Despite considerable research, the cause of irritable bowel syndrome remains in-completely understood and there is, as yet, no cure. It is well established that the symptoms of IBS are due to the way in which the bowel functions, rather than any specific disease of the bowel.