A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Psychological Treatments for IBS in Gastroenterology Settings: Promising but in Need of Further Study

Background: Psychological treatments are efficacious for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in clinical trials; however, their effectiveness when conducted in gastroenterology practice settings is unclear. Aim: To perform a systematic review of the types and effects of psychological treatments for IBS conducted in gastroenterology clinics. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane central register. Studies conducted in gastroenterology clinic settings with IBS patients who were clinically referred from gastroenterology were included. Results: We identified 3078 citations, of which only eight studies were eligible. Seven studies compared psychological treatments (average n = 25.7; range 12–43) to controls (average n = 25.4 patients; range 12–47), whereas one study compared two active “bonafide” interventions. Psychological treatments varied (cognitive–behavioral therapy, guided affective imagery, mindfulness, hypnosis, biofeedback, emotional awareness training). However, across approaches, short-term benefits were seen. IBS symptoms improved significantly among patients in cognitive and behavioral therapies, mindfulness-based stress reduction, guided affective imagery, and emotional awareness training compared with controls; there was a similar trend for gut-directed hypnotherapy. Similarly, IBS symptoms improved in a study of two active biofeedback and hypnosis treatments. Conclusions: Evidence for the effectiveness of psychological treatment in gastroenterology practice is promising but limited. Study designs that involve a blending of efficacy and effectiveness components are needed.