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J Clin Outcomes Manage
2006 May;13(5):292-304
The irritable bowel syndrome and its association with unexplained medical symptoms and other functional disorders
Sperber AD
Program Audience Primary care physicians. Educational Needs Addressed Approximately 10% to 20% of adults meet diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The burden of IBS on society is substantial. In addition, 50% of IBS patients have at least 1 comorbid somatic symptom, and many IBS patients meet diagnostic criteria for other functional disorders. Significantly, patients with IBS and another functional disorder have more severe IBS symptoms, a higher rate of psychopathology (eg, depression, anxiety, somatization), greater impairment of quality of life, and more illness-related work absenteeism as compared with patients with IBS only. It is important for physicians to be aware of the high comorbidity rate among IBS patients and be informed about successful approaches for treating IBS, which includes developing a therapeutic partnership with the patient. Educational Objectives After participating in this CME activity, primary care physicians should be able to 1. Know the Rome criteria for diagnosing IBS 2. Describe the association between IBS and comorbid functional disorders 3. Understand the importance of the doctor-patient relationship in the treatment of IBS
Case Based Review, CME
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