Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help With Symptoms Of IBS?

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC
Updated February 19, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common health issue that causes stomach pain and changes in bowel habits. It affects approximately 15% of people worldwide and can make daily life difficult. Various treatments may help manage IBS, including medication and lifestyle changes. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for irritable bowel syndrome may also be a useful option.

CBT is a type of talk therapy that focuses on the way patients think about and perceive their gastrointestinal symptoms. It may help people identify and change negative thought patterns that can worsen IBS symptoms. For people with severe irritable bowel syndrome, CBT might offer an additional avenue to symptom management and improved quality of life. In many cases, it's even possible for this CBT to be conducted through online therapy.
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The connection between the central nervous system and IBS

To understand how CBT might support people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), consider the connection between the brain (central nervous system or CNS) and the digestive system, often called the brain-gut connection. The brain and gut are closely connected, with the CNS continuously sending and receiving signals to and from the gastrointestinal tract to control its function.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms are often related to how the brain and gut communicate. In people with IBS, this communication can be disrupted, making them more sensitive to pain and changes in bowel habits. People with irritable bowel syndrome may experience symptoms ranging from stomach discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, and inflammation. 

If you’re living with irritable bowel syndrome, you might find that psychological factors can influence the frequency or severity of IBS symptoms. Psychological distress such as stress and anxiety may increase gastrointestinal symptoms by affecting one's CNS and its communication with the digestive system. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) overview

CBT is a well-known type of therapy that can help people change their thoughts and behaviors to improve their well-being. It's based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. By changing the way we think, we may also be able to change how we feel and behave. 

CBT uses various techniques to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns. These techniques might include setting goals, tracking thoughts and emotions, and practicing problem-solving skills. By working on such techniques, people can develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with their problems. 

This therapy has been proven effective in treating various conditions, including anxiety and anxiety in those with chronic pain. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, CBT often focuses on improving the connection between the brain and the stomach, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
CBT can offer an effective and convenient approach to managing IBS symptoms. With the option of online therapy, patients can conveniently receive treatment tailored to their needs, helping them better cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors that may worsen irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Because the nervous system and gut are connected, irritable bowel syndrome treatment can be both mental and physical, which is why having a psychotherapist help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 

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How cognitive behavioral therapy helps IBS patients

CBT is a therapeutic method that may address the thoughts and behaviors linked to IBS symptoms. It can help people with IBS understand how these thoughts and behaviors may be contributing to their condition. While therapy protocols can vary, CBT and treatment for IBS may focus on:

Identifying negative thoughts around IBS

Cognitive behavioral treatment for IBS can help people identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs about their condition. Many times, people with IBS may have negative thoughts that can worsen their symptoms. People may believe that they can’t control their IBS or that their pain is unbearable. 

Psychotherapies like CBT can help individuals recognize thoughts and replace them with more positive, constructive ones. With this strategy, patients can improve overall mental health and, in turn, better manage IBS symptoms.

Addressing the fight-or-flight response that can worsen GI symptoms

Another key component of CBT to treat irritable bowel syndrome is addressing one's fight-or-flight response, a natural reaction to perceived threats that can amplify gastrointestinal symptoms common in irritable bowel syndrome. This stress response can trigger various physical effects, including increased heart rate and muscle tension, which may worsen IBS symptoms. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may help people become more aware of this response and teach them techniques to manage it. By learning to control their fight-or-flight reaction, individuals can reduce the negative impact it has on their GI system, ultimately improving their IBS symptoms.

Improving stress management and coping mechanisms

Stress is often a common trigger to IBS symptoms, so individuals may need effective stress management and coping skills to manage irritable bowel syndrome. Cognitive behavioral treatment may help people with IBS find ways to improve their ability to cope with stress. 

By learning to identify stress triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and acquire problem-solving skills, individuals may be able to better manage their stress levels. As a result, they may decrease the negative effects stress has on their IBS symptoms and increase their overall quality of life.

Developing relaxation techniques and changing dietary habits

Relaxation techniques are an essential part of CBT for IBS since they may help people reduce stress and anxiety that can worsen IBS symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation may be helpful for achieving a more relaxed state of mind.

In addition, CBT may help patients identify and change dietary habits that could be contributing to their IBS symptoms. By making healthier food choices and including relaxation techniques in their daily routine, people with IBS may be able to improve their gastrointestinal symptoms and overall well-being.

Improving self-compassion and emotional control

An often overlooked, yet important aspect of CBT for IBS is self-compassion and emotional control. Someone with IBS may experience feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or self-blame due to their symptoms, which can affect how they feel about their condition. 

CBT encourages individuals to practice self-compassion, which may involve accepting their situation and acknowledging that it's not their fault. In addition, CBT can teach individuals to recognize, understand, and control their emotions, which could help them better manage difficult situations.

CBT for IBS recognizes the complex interactions between the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, and psychological factors. By understanding these connections, individuals with IBS may be able to improve their symptoms and reduce the psychological distress often linked to the condition.

Does cognitive behavioral therapy for IBS work?

CBT has been researched as a treatment for IBS. According to one literature review of a controlled trial, CBT has been tested and proven to be beneficial in managing IBS symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain and improving overall quality of life. In addition, the study found that online CBT has shown the possibility of providing a convenient and cost-effective way to treat IBS, highlighting it as a possible alternative to in-person therapy. 

Recent research has shown that CBT can also lead to improvements in mental health challenges related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), including anxiety. One study found that eight weeks of online-based CBT led to fewer symptoms and less anxiety. CBT has been shown to result in IBS symptom improvement and decreased symptom severity, both immediately and long-term.

IBS patients can undergo CBT treatments either in a clinical setting or at home, with both methods yielding comparable outcomes. Overall, recent studies highlight the potential of CBT as an effective intervention for relieving the distressing symptoms of IBS and improving the well-being of those affected.

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Finding a cognitive behavioral therapist for IBS

Finding a qualified CBT therapist for IBS may be the next step for you in managing symptoms and improving your quality of life. When searching for a therapist, you may want to find one with experience and expertise in treating gastrointestinal issues, specifically IBS. 

You can find certified therapists through professional organizations or get recommendations from your doctor. Many professional organizations, including the Society of Clinical Psychology, provide directories of certified therapists trained in CBT to treat IBS.

If you choose to pursue therapy for IBS, consider continuing to follow up with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist. Your healthcare provider may also be able to offer recommendations or referrals to qualified CBT therapists.
In addition to checking credentials, consider other factors such as location, availability, and whether the therapist offers remote sessions. It has been reported that clinic- and home-based treatments yield similar therapeutic benefits. Online therapy for IBS patients has the added advantage of being convenient from home, which can benefit those experiencing flare-ups that could prevent them from traveling to a therapist’s office. Online therapy can also prove more convenient since appointment slots are available day or night. 

Online platforms such as BetterHelp can connect you with a qualified therapist tailored to your needs and goals. You can sign up through the platform and get the help you need from the comfort of your home. 

Takeaway

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), helping to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress. Online CBT therapy for IBS can be a helpful option for those looking to manage their IBS symptoms. In online sessions, you may learn to better manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional factors that may make IBS symptoms worse. Get matched with a compatible therapist today to start making measurable gains.
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