UCLA Seeks Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome for Study

Scientists at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System seek adults, ages 18 to 55, who have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for a new study testing the impact of psychological interventions on the treatment for IBS.

Scientists will explore whether psychological approaches can help with factors that aggravate IBS symptoms, which may lead to more effective treatment. Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 15 percent to 20 percent of Americans and causes discomfort in the abdomen, along with diarrhea and/or constipation. Stress may aggravate symptoms.

"We are partnering with patients to see if psychological interventions may help control and improve IBS symptoms," said Dr. Bruce Naliboff, clinical professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences and co-director of the UCLA Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women's Health. "We hope that a better understanding of the mind-body role in IBS may help improve treatments.".

During the six-month study, volunteers will be randomly selected (similar to the flipping of a coin) to participate in one of three interventions: IBS stress management - designed to reduce stress and learn relaxation skills; IBS symptom management - targeted at helping patients identify thought patterns that may induce IBS symptoms; IBS educational training - arming volunteers with educational materials and background on the physiology of IBS.

The interventions will consist of 11 weekly individual one-hour meetings with a psychologist. A physical exam will take place during the initial visit. Some medications may not be taken during the study.

The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. For more information, please call (310) 478-3711, ext. 43470.

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Scientists at UCLA and the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System seek adults, ages 18 to 55, who have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for a new study testing the impact of psychological interventions on the treatment for IBS.Scientists will explore whether psychological approaches can help with factors that aggravate IBS symptoms, which may lead to more effective treatment. Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 15 percent to 20 percent of Americans and causes discomfort in the abdomen, along with diarrhea and/or constipation. Stress may aggravate symptoms.