The role of psychosocial factors in irritable bowel syndrome

Psychosocial factors, as appreciated within the context of the biopsychosoc ial model, are necessary for understanding the clinical expression of irrit able bowel syndrome (IBS) by virtue of their key roles in the development, precipitation and perpetuation of IBS. Addressing psychosocial factors in a ssessment and management leads to improvement in the clinical outcome for I BS patients. Pertinent management: components include adopting a 'care' app roach within an ongoing collaborative treatment relationship; offering any psychological or psychiatric intervention as part of a multi-disciplinary t reatment approach; providing education and reassurance; and using mental he alth professionals when indicated.