2022 Volume 29 Issue 1 Pages 5-8
The brain-gut interaction plays an important role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As stress is highly involved in the onset and exacerbation of IBS, a psychosomatic approach is considered effective. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman with IBS that was effectively treated with the combination of psychotherapy and Kampo medicine. She was referred to our pain center because of numbness appearing throughout her body and severe abdominal pain interfering with her daily life. At her first visit, our clinical psychologist discovered her experiences of maltreatment in childhood and spousal violence and paternal verbal abuse in adulthood. We considered that these experiences were related to her symptoms and started psychotherapy. Her numbness disappeared and she became more active, but her abdominal pain persisted. Therefore, we added Keishikaryukotsuboreito, which has an antianxiety effect, and Shakuyakukanzoto. Her quality of life, daily living activities, and abdominal symptoms improved.
