PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDER AND OUTCOME IN IRRITABLE-BOWEL-SYNDROME

A link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric illness is well recognized. The authors set out To establish whether a group w ith a risk of poor outcome IBS could be identified at presentation to a general hospital clinic in a prospective series of 70 subjects. Pote ntial risk factors showed no correlation with IBS outcome at 6-9 month s. There was a high rate of persistent mental illness. Clinicians offe ring specialist cal-e for IBS should consult with psychiatric services to provide assessment irrespective of IBS outcome if major psychopath ology is not to be neglected.