Better Living With IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is one of the most common illnesses in the world, affecting approximately 20 per cent of the population. Medical treatments are only moderately effective at treating the symptoms and no cure has yet been reported. Most experts now agree that the present focus in IBS should be on improving the patient's quality of life, which is exactly what Living With IBS sets out to achieve. By making use of the highly respected psychological approach known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it focuses on helping the patient live a more vital, fulfilling life.The ACT approach proposes that most of the suffering experienced by IBS patients comes from the feeling of missing-out on valued life activities.It also proposes that most of the suffering comes from over-focusing or trying to get rid of IBS experiences such as symptoms, negative thoughts or emotions. ACT offers an alternative solution of simply accepting them. If unwanted experiences caused by IBS are accepted and not struggled with, then the person will have more time, energy and willingness to engage in activities that really matter in life. 'Better Living With IBS' is structured in a simple, user-friendly workbook format, and includes numerous practical exercises to help the reader implement the approach effectively in their own life.