Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
10:37
Perturbations of Circulating miRNAs in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Detected Using a Multiplexed High-throughput Gene Expression Platform
Published on: November 30, 2016
Approaching patients with irritable bowel syndrome
1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Division of Gastroenterology 200 Lothrop St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA.
F1000 Medicine Reports
|October 16, 2010
Summary
Treating functional gastrointestinal disorders is challenging. Re-examining antidepressants and exploring dietary changes and communication strategies may improve patient outcomes by individualizing care.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) present complex treatment challenges.
- Current therapies targeting luminal contents, gut signaling, or brain processing show similar response rates.
- Discrepancies in clinical trial data necessitate a re-evaluation of treatment strategies, including antidepressants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment approaches for FGIDs.
- To explore alternative and complementary therapies beyond traditional pharmaceuticals.
- To emphasize the importance of individualizing treatment for improved outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and meta-analyses on FGID treatments.
- Analysis of traditional drug therapies, including antidepressants.
- Exploration of non-pharmacological interventions like dietary changes and communication strategies.
Main Results:
- Existing treatments for FGIDs have comparable efficacy, irrespective of the targeted mechanism.
- Antidepressant efficacy in FGIDs requires further investigation due to conflicting trial data.
- Dietary interventions and communication strategies show promise by addressing underlying disease mechanisms and patient concerns.
Conclusions:
- Standard FGID treatments offer limited differentiation in response rates.
- A critical re-evaluation of antidepressant use in FGIDs is warranted.
- Individualized treatment plans incorporating dietary and communication strategies are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...