Application of the Unified Protocol in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and alternation of bowel movement. Due to its recurrent nature, incidence at young age, and high prevalence worldwide, IBS is an important health care issue. Although no single causative factor has been identified in IBS pathophysiology, the role of emotions in the motor function of the small intestine and colon is well documented. In addition, IBS is closely associated with emotional difficulties, particularly anxiety and depression. The Unified Protocol (UP), as a transdiagnostic treatment targeting emotion regulation strategies as underlying mechanism in emotional difficulties, helps IBS patients identify and express their emotions and modify their assessments of their emotions and emotion-related physical sensations using nonjudgmental awareness, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring of thoughts, which lead to decreased psychological and emotional symptoms and consequently improve physical symptoms. This chapter reviews the prevalence, pathophysiology, and the role of emotional factors in this disorder. In addition, the application of UP in the treatment of IBS is discussed, and a case conceptualization based on UP is presented.