IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
Word count 2,744 words
In this essay the physical and psychological aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) will be discussed and the possible use/role of hypnosis in the treatment of IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified as a chronic illness (The Chrysalis Class Notes, Module 8) and chronic diseases have become quite prevalent with an increase in the aging population. According to the World Gastroenterology Organisation (2009) IBS is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with bloating, distension, defecation or change in bowel habits such as diarrhoea and or constipation. Josie Hardley (1996) stated that as mysterious as the onset of any health problem may seem to be, it may be caused by stress. He went on to explain that stress is very often a major component of contemporary life and as no one is immune to stress, when stress becomes a persistent negative factor in an individual’s life it can cause a collapse in the body’s defence, resulting in physical and psychological disorders. IBS has been proven through research to have both physical and psychological aspects; and it is therefore evident that the required treatment should include, the appropriate support to IBS sufferers that has the potential to facilitate healing for both the physical and psychological aspects.
IBS Statistics (World Gastroenterology Organisation Report, 2009)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects both women and men, and there is an obvious predominance in women at a ratio of two to one. 10-20% of the world’s population have symptoms associated with IBS which are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms affect about 70% of people diagnosed; they have symptoms that are slight, not generally present at all times and do not interfere with work or other normal activities. Moderate symptoms affect about 25% of people diagnosed; symptoms occasionally disrupt normal activities of daily living…