You have full text access to this OnlineOpen article

The value of a general therapeutic approach in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome

  1. K. W. Monsbakken1,
  2. P. O. Vandvik1,2,
  3. P. G. Farup1,2

Article first published online: 22 DEC 2004

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02302.x

Issue

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics

Volume 21, Issue 1, pages 21–27, January 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Monsbakken, K. W., Vandvik, P. O. and Farup, P. G. (2005), The value of a general therapeutic approach in subjects with irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 21: 21–27. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02302.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Medicine, Innlandet Hospital Health Authority, Gjøvik, Norway

  2. 2

    Unit for Applied Clinical Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

*Prof. P. G. Farup, Department of Medicine, Innlandet Hospital HF, Gjøvik, N-2819 Gjøvik, Norway. E-mail: per.farup@medisin.ntnu.no

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 22 DEC 2004
  2. Article first published online: 22 DEC 2004
  3. Accepted for publication 6 October 2004

SEARCH

SEARCH BY CITATION

ARTICLE TOOLS

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (106K)

Summary

Background : The general therapeutic approach is the cornerstone in the management of irritable bowel syndrome, but the effect is poorly documented.

Aim : To evaluate the effect of the general therapeutic approach for irritable bowel syndrome.

Methods : Subjects with irritable bowel syndrome identified in a public screening were included. Scores for abdominal symptom (range 0–12), musculoskeletal pain and mood disorders were calculated. After exclusion of other disorders, a doctor presented irritable bowel syndrome as a positive diagnosis, gave information, reassurance and lifestyle advice, but no pharmacotherapy. A dietician gave dietary advice. There was a follow-up after 6 months.

Results : Sixty-five persons (females/males: 44/21) with mean age 49 years (range 31–76) were included, 31 (48%) were recommended dietary changes. Twenty subjects (31%) had satisfactory relief of symptoms after 6 months. The scores for abdominal symptom was reduced from 3.1 to 2.2 (P = 0.007), the reduction was 2.2 in the diarrhoea-predominant group given advice compared with 0.4 in the other subjects (P = 0.035). Previous consultations for the complaints, visits for psychiatric disorders, and presence of mood disorders were predictors of persistent complaints.

Conclusions : There was a significant relief of symptoms after 6 months, those with psychological co-morbidity responded less well. The effect of dietary advice was only seen in those with diarrhoea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

View Full Article (HTML) Get PDF (106K)