Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, or abdominal pain and discomfort and altered bowel habits, is a common condition for which treatments have not yet proven to be highly effective, and is a syndrome that is highly connected with anxiety disorders. The goal of this NIH funded study is to establish more effective treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. Specifically, we are comparing three different treatments; a treatment that focuses specifically upon fears of bodily symptoms associated with irritable bowel; a treatment that focuses upon the management of life stressors; and a treatment that provides education about health and nutrition.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants must meet diagnostic criteria for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, as determined by a medical evaluation, be between the ages of 18 to 60, English speaking, not currently suffering from major medical conditions, and are either un-medicated or stabilized on medications for anxiety or depression.

Screening Procedures

Interested participants leave their contact information (i.e., name, phone number, best times to call) at 310-478-3711 (x43470). Participants are then phoned by study personnel and asked a few simple screening questions. If eligible, participants are scheduled for a medical evaluation and an in-person, no-cost, diagnostic evaluation (approximately 2-3 hours) at the Veterans Administration, 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Building 115, Room 213, Los Angeles, CA 90073. Referrals are provided when the diagnostic evaluation indicates lack of eligibility for the study. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to either one of the three treatment conditions.

Treatment Procedures

Treatment is conducted one on one, over 10 visits (at the Veterans Administration) spread out over 12 weeks. Assessments are conducted prior to beginning treatment, at treatment session 1 and 5 (brief evaluations), at completion of treatment and 6 months later. These assessments include diagnostic evaluations, a battery of self-report questionnaires, physiological recording in a laboratory and brain scanning using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Fees

There are no fees for any of the assessments or treatment visits. Participants will be compensated approximately $125 for participating in the treatment study, and may receive an additional $250 for brain scanning and $140 for physiological recording, which are optional.

Study Personnel Contact

For further information about this project, contact Michael Frese, Ph.D. at 310-478-3711 (x43470). This study is conducted in collaboration with Bruce Naliboff, Ph.D., UCLA