Irritable bowel syndrome.

Within the literature, it appears evident that neither a univariate etiologic model nor a single-agent treatment approach is sufficient to address the many diagnostic, assessment, and therapeutic challenges posed by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Various scientific advances have been made over the past 5 years, particularly in the areas of nonpharmacologic management of IBS. However, further collaboration between scientists and clinicians from multiple disciplines is strongly encouraged.