Reclaim Your Life from IBS

Book excerpt: Reclaim Your Life from IBS teaches a number of skills that can directly reduce the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms in a person’s life. The book explores the differential diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the current scientific models of what causes IBS. It teaches the reader the cognitive model of stress management using cognitive-behavioral therapy and helps readers learn to identify their negative beliefs and reframe them more accurately. It also guides readers to reduce avoidance and helps them understand how to use dietary modifications and medications wisely, rather than reactively. In this second edition, numerous case examples throughout illustrate the application of these core CBT skills to IBS-related thoughts and experiences, and new material is included on exercise, diet, and medications. This book is a proven self-help book for people with IBS, as well as being useful as a treatment manual for clinicians who work with patients with IBS.