A comparison of psychological and medical treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome.

Twenty-four subjects completed a study comparing the efficacy of a psychological treatment package suggested by Latimer (1983) and the best medical regime available in the treatment of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Initial anxiety levels were high in both groups and were reduced in the psychological, but not medical, condition. IBS symptoms and associated behaviours were reduced equally in both conditions.