PROLONGED EXPOSURE THERAPY AND IRRITABLE-BOWEL-SYNDROME - A CASE-STUDY EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF A TRAUMA-FOCUSED TREATMENT ON A PHYSICAL CONDITION

Previous research has shown that psychological treatments, particularl y those employing cognitive techniques, are particularly effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is presumed that t hese psychological interventions are effective at ameliorating the IBS by treating an underlying psychological disorder (often an anxiety di sorder), which may be contributing to the autonomic reactivity. This c ase study examined the change in the physical symptoms of IBS for a pa tient seeking treatment for rape-related PTSD with comorbid conditions of major depression and panic. At posttreatment, the patient no longe r met criteria for PTSD, major depression, or panic. In addition, her primary symptom of IBS, diarrhea frequency, was significantly improved . These findings were maintained at 3 and 9 months posttreatment. Impl ications for the assessment and treatment of IBS patients with PTSD ar e discussed.