We have summarized the available literature on the psychological assessment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, both the uncontrolled group outcome studies and the controlled studies that utilized psychological treatment of IBS are reviewed. We have summarized in some detail one of our own recent studies on the assessment of IBS and its comparison to chronic headache. Finally, we summarized three of our own recent studies of the treatment of IBS with a multicomponent program composed of relaxation, thermal biofeedback, and cognitive stress coping therapy. This program has been successful in 50% to 60% of patients across five small-scale replications.
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