Hello all, my 21-year-old daughter has had intermittent abdominal pain and related issues for several years, and is currently going through her worst episode ever, hence my anxiety and need to reach out here. She is a teaching assistant and works very hard but did not take one day off last term. Now aJust as term ends she is laid up sleeping and unable to eat. Hospital tests have thrown up nothing conclusive though they are investigating whether her gallbladder has anything to do with it - though her GP yesterday said she thought it was IBS. I guess I want to know to what extent psychological issues can contribute to IBS as the timing of this one suggests a psychological factor. I don't know how to help her. For example should I downplay it, or do the opposite - if I want it to affect her thoughts less. Thank you!

Dear @Simon M , very sorry to read that your daughter is struggling to get a definitive diagnosis for her abdominal pain.

IBS with diarrhea or constipation does have the symptom of abdominal pain; however, a change in bowel consistency or pain relieved by a bowel movement is the usual way people describe it. You are only describing abdominal pain which unfortunately can be many conditions including gynecological in a women.

In either case, anxiety or stress does not cause the symptoms of IBS nor IBS itself. It can exacerbate the condition, but there is no psychological component to the diagnosis or treatment of the disorder.

Has she been seen by a gastroenterologist or any other specialist? Does anything relieve the pain other than sleep or not eating? Has she lost weight? Does she have any other body pains or sores in her mouth?

Thanks for your swift reply that is very helpful. No pains or sore in her mouth. And no she has not found any ways oif releiveing the pain - just waiting. After five days it has finally gone but that has been her longest bout so far as it usually lasts for a couple of days. I think her doctor is going to test her for IBS, if that is a thing.

While IBS abdominal pain can last for some time, again it is often relieved by bowel movements rather than lingering.

Unfortunately, there is no "test" for IBS. It is diagnosed by listening carefully to the patient's history and using the Rome Criteria.

Thanks for the clarification Jeffrey that's really helpful.