Reclaim Your Life from IBS teaches a number of skills that can directly reduce the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms in a person's life.

The book explores the differential diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the current scientific models of what causes IBS. It teaches the reader the cognitive model of stress management using cognitive-behavioral therapy and helps readers learn to identify their negative beliefs and reframe them more accurately. It also guides readers to reduce avoidance and helps them understand how to use dietary modifications and medications wisely, rather than reactively. In this second edition, numerous case examples throughout illustrate the application of these core CBT skills to IBS-related thoughts and experiences, and new material is included on exercise, diet, and medications.

This book is a proven self-help book for people with IBS, as well as being useful as a treatment manual for clinicians who work with patients with IBS.

Melissa G. Hunt is a licensed clinical psychologist and research scientist who specializes in helping folks with chronic GI disorders reclaim their lives. She serves as the Associate Director of Clinical Training in the Psychology Department at the University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Rome Psychogastroenterology Group.

Reclaim Your Life from IBS teaches a number of skills that can directly reduce the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms in a person's life.

The book explores the differential diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the current scientific models of what causes IBS. It teaches the reader the cognitive model of stress management using cognitive-behavioral therapy and helps readers learn to identify their negative beliefs and reframe them more accurately. It also guides readers to reduce avoidance and helps them understand how to use dietary modifications and medications wisely, rather than reactively. In this second edition, numerous case examples throughout illustrate the application of these core CBT skills to IBS-related thoughts and experiences, and new material is included on exercise, diet, and medications.

This book is a proven self-help book for people with IBS, as well as being useful as a treatment manual for clinicians who work with patients with IBS.

About the Author and This Book

Preface

Foreword

Introduction: How to Use this Book

1. Do I Have IBS?

2. What's Causing My Gut Symptoms?

3. Turn it Off - Relaxation Training

4. Burn it Off - Physical Activity

5. The Cognitive Model of Stress Management

6. Applying the Cognitive Model to GI Symptoms

7. Test It Out! Behavioral Experiments

8. Eliminating Avoidance

9. Diet and IBS

10. Using Medication Wisely

11. This Could Be You! How Working Through This Book Could Change Your Life

12. Summary, Review, and Final Thoughts

Appendix A - Rome IV Criteria Self-Report

Appendix B - Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)

Appendix C - IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire (IBS-QOL)

Appendix D - Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI)

Appendix E - GI Cognitions Questionnaire (GI-COG)

Appendix F - Fear of Food Questionnaire

Appendix G - Melissa's World-Famous Granola Recipe

Acknowledgements

Index