Books for IBS Patients

The IBS Patient Support Group does not endorse nor make any warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained within the listed books and assumes no liability related to their use. Books are listed from newest to oldest in each category.

Authors and Publishers: We would be pleased to consider your publication for our book list. Please contact us to send an evaluation copy for review.


Author: Douglas Drossman MD, Johannah Ruddy M.Ed. 
Publisher: DrossmanCare and The Rome Foundation 
ISBN: 0578759683
Binding: paperback, 232 pages

Author: Kate Scarlata RD, Dede Wilson 
Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books 
ISBN: 0738219347 
Binding: paperback, 384 pages

Author: Sue Shepherd PhD and Peter Gibson MD 
Publisher: The Experiment 
ISBN: 1615190805 
Binding: Paperback, 288 pages

Author: Barbara Bolen PhD and Kathleen Bradley 
Publisher: Adams Media 
ISBN: 1440581738 
Binding: Paperback, 288 pages

Author: Barbara Bolen PhD 
Publisher: Demos Health 
ISBN: 1936303868 
Binding: Paperback, 168 pages

This book is as easy as 1-2-3… to read and identify tips that will provide both an understanding of your IBS symptoms and possible treatment options. Dr. Barbara Bolen’s extensive clinical experience and expertise with IBS has allowed her to compile a remarkable amount of current information about IBS in this well organized and informative book. It’s a book that I am excited to recommend to newly diagnosed and existing IBS patients.

Author: Joy Spencer 
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 
ISBN: 1500965456 
Binding: Paperback, Kindle

A masterpiece both in its illustrations and content.

Joy Spencer’s comic illustrated book “Chronically Me: Flushing Out My Life and Times, a Memoir in Comics” provides a path through her own personal Irritable Bowel Syndrome maze. It captures precisely the trials and tribulations of someone who has IBS. I have a great affinity with someone who understands what it is like to be diagnosed with IBS, to travel from doctor to doctor trying to find a clear treatment, and can convey it all in such a creative fashion. Some might not click with the comic style; however, the content in the comic bubbles above and around the illustrations are truly what someone with IBS can relate to. Joy oozes empathy and someone with IBS, and their family, can really relate to the struggle that she faces. Needless to say, someone new to IBS can also relate to the path that Joy follows because they may want to try some of her avenues them self. Joy’s book gave me a great deal of comfort knowing that I’m not alone in my own struggle with IBS. For that, this personal masterpiece will be read over and over again when my IBS gets me down.

Author: Barbara Bradley Bolen PhD, Jeffrey D. Roberts 
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. 
ISBN: 0595398278 
Binding: Paperback, Kindle, 546 pages

IBS Chat: Real Life Stories and Solutions is a compilation of the best postings by members of the Internet-based Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help and Support Group. In an organized and easily accessible manner, authors Jeffrey Roberts, a lifelong IBS sufferer, and Barbara Bradley Bolen, PhD, present practical strategies for managing symptoms, information about a wide variety of treatment options, and insight into the effect that this devastating disorder can have on a person’s life. Most importantly, you’ll find reassurance that IBS is a treatable medical condition.

“Jeffrey Roberts and Dr. Barbara Bolen have done a remarkable job of compiling key comments, from all over the world, about IBS and the functional GI disorders. The information is well-organized, readable, and informative. I believe this book also helps to provide emotional support: the reader learns that he or she is “not alone” during those times when the symptoms are distressing or difficult to manage.”-Douglas A. Drossman, MDMedical Director, UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders

“This book provides very valuable insights from IBS sufferers that would be informative to other affected individuals and health care providers. I was most impressed by the communication between participants, who ranged from those wanting a better understanding about IBS and their symptoms, to those from very knowledgeable individuals. This level of social support between IBS sufferers can be very helpful in managing the symptoms of IBS.”-Lin Chang, MDUCLA Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women’s HealthCURE: Digestive Diseases Research CenterUCLA Department of Medicine – Division of Digestive Diseases

Last updated on Dec 31, 2020