Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be a helpful option to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as researchers identify a link between the digestive system and the brain.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a group of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that regularly appear together. It is classified as a functional gastrointestinal disease, meaning the underlying cause has to do with how the brain and gut communicate with each other.
Symptoms of IBS typically include cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, and bowel changes. During IBS
Because IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disease, there is a clear link between emotional states and IBS symptoms, and this is where CBT may have a therapeutic place.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage psychological factors that can worsen IBS symptoms.
According to a research review from
However, CBT appears to be used less frequently. This may be because it requires the guidance of a professional trained in CBT (a psychotherapeutic approach) and a professional trained in gastrointestinal disorders (a component of physical health).
CBT for IBS works by addressing the emotional factors that can contribute to IBS symptoms.
IBS and other functional gastrointestinal diseases are caused by dysfunction of the gut-brain axis. It is a direct communication pathway between the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the intestinal nervous system (enteric nervous system).
A normally functioning gut-brain axis constantly exchanges chemical messengers. The brain and gut share neurotransmitters that are involved in everything from digestion to emotions. Many of the neurotransmitters that affect mood, such as serotonin, are produced primarily in the gut. 2018 survey suggests.
This is why negative emotions can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and gastrointestinal discomfort can cause negative emotions.
CBT is effective for IBS because it may help manage the stress response in the gut when negative emotions are heightened. You can use thought restructuring to avoid catastrophic thinking and rumination.
CBT uses behavioral techniques to teach adaptive coping strategies for negative thoughts and emotions. For example, instead of fixating on anxious thoughts, CBT offers great options for relaxation, such as mindfulness and grounding.
All of this is done with the aim of relaxing the digestive system, bringing it out of survival mode caused by negative emotions and returning it to a state of calm.
What is the relationship between stress and irritable bowel syndrome?
Stress is anything that is physically or psychologically taxing. When the body recognizes a task, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This is the part of the central nervous system responsible for the fight-or-flight response.
The state of survival is flight or fight. Your body undergoes many physiological changes in preparation for a threat, and your digestive system is no exception.
Stress worsens the digestive system.digestion
CBT is not considered a treatment for IBS. This is a treatment option that helps manage symptoms that can be exacerbated by high emotions.
CBT for IBS works by promoting emotional regulation before and during IBS flare-ups.
CBT can help reduce the frequency of IBS symptoms by helping you better deal with real and perceived threats before they cause gastrointestinal discomfort. For example, if you’re naturally nervous before a big presentation, CBT can help you learn how to stay calm.
IBS symptoms are not always preventable. During these times, CBT can help manage IBS pain by teaching in-the-moment gut-brain axis relaxation strategies, such as deep breathing and gradual muscle relaxation.
Negative emotions can cause irritable bowel syndrome, but irritable bowel syndrome can also cause negative emotions. CBT can also help with this.
CBT provides a structured environment where the fears of living with IBS, such as going out into public spaces too far from the bathroom, can be reduced through therapist-guided exposure.
CBT and other psychological interventions are currently American College of Gastroenterology Suitable for moderate to severe IBS that is unresponsive to traditional treatments or complicated by other psychological factors.
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Finding a CBT therapist for IBS can be difficult. IBS is a physical disease that is usually managed by a gastroenterologist or primary care physician. CBT is a specialized psychotherapy framework that is usually supervised by a mental health professional.
It is not common to find one person who is skilled in both medical fields.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a CBT therapist for IBS. The first thing to do is to consult a gastroenterologist. They may have a list of colleagues they can recommend and may be willing to work closely with the mental health professional of your choice.
IBS is a condition caused by miscommunication in the gut-brain axis. Because the central nervous system and enteric nervous system are closely linked, stress and negative emotions can worsen his IBS symptoms, and vice versa.
CBT for IBS is one possible treatment option. It will help reduce the frequency of symptoms, manage discomfort, and alleviate her IBS-related concerns that can interfere with daily life.
CBT for IBS may be most beneficial for moderate to severe IBS that does not respond well to traditional treatments, or for IBS with other psychiatric symptoms such as depression or anxiety.