Abstract
The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ranges in all countries of the world between 6 and 25%, in Germany between 15 and 22%. The divergent rates of prevalence are mainly due to different definitions of IBS in epidemiological studies. In Germany, 20-50% of persons with IBS symptoms seek medical help. IBS patients produce high direct and indirect costs. The following psychophysiological mechanisms of IBS are presumed to be empirically validated: visceral hypersensitivity, postinfectious sequelae, psychiatric disorders, and psychosocial stress. Tricyclic antidepressant agents and psychotherapy (hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy) are effective for treatment of IBS forms dominated by pain. In one controlled study, the combination of pharmacological therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy was superior to pharmacological therapy alone.
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