Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Abdominal pain and changes in bowel habit with no lesion to explain them. A disorder of gut and brain communication that can be modulated.
What irritable bowel syndrome is
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder involving abdominal pain or discomfort associated with changes in bowel habit, whether constipation, diarrhea or both, along with bloating and gas.
It belongs to the group known as disorders of gut and brain interaction. There is no structural damage, but there is a disturbance in how the gut and the nervous system communicate.
Why the tests come back “normal”
Colonoscopies and blood work are usually normal because IBS is not caused by visible damage. It stems from visceral hypersensitivity and dysregulation of the gut and brain axis, strongly influenced by stress and emotional state.
The gut has its own nerve network and is in constant conversation with the brain. When that conversation becomes dysregulated, normal signals from the digestive tract are perceived as pain or urgency.
Common symptoms
- Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort
- Bloating and gas
- Changes in bowel habit: constipation, diarrhea or alternating
- A sense of incomplete evacuation
- Worsening with stress and with certain foods
How the IDENTA Model approaches it
We begin with an integrated assessment that rules out the organic causes that need ruling out and places IBS within the framework of the gut and brain axis and of stress.
We work on autonomic and stress regulation, on evidence-based psychotherapy, which has good support in IBS, and on nutritional guidance to bring order to eating without falling into unnecessary restriction.
The goal is to reduce hypersensitivity and restore predictability and quality of life, with follow-up along the way.
What you can expect
- An understanding of IBS as a problem of regulation rather than something you are inventing.
- Combined strategies covering stress, diet and regulation, adjusted to your case.
- Support without extreme diets or magic solutions.
This information is provided for general education. It does not replace an individual medical assessment and is not a diagnosis. If you live with these symptoms, an initial assessment allows your case to be evaluated as a whole.
Frequently asked questions
Is my IBS caused by something I eat?
Food can modulate the symptoms, but IBS is not explained by diet alone. It is a disorder of gut and brain interaction, which is why treatment combines diet, stress regulation and, where it helps, psychotherapy.
Why does it get worse when I am stressed?
Because the gut and the brain are in constant communication. Stress dysregulates that conversation and increases visceral hypersensitivity, which intensifies pain and urgency.
Can psychotherapy help with a digestive problem?
Yes. Evidence-based psychological interventions have good support in IBS, precisely because they act on the gut and brain axis that sustains the symptoms.
Start with an initial assessment
Every process at IDENTA begins with listening. Request an assessment and get a structured opinion on your case.