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IBS Treatment in Kolhapur – A Gut–Brain Psychiatry Approach

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not just a gut problem. It is a disorder of gut–brain interaction, where intestinal sensitivity, stress, anxiety, and nervous system dysregulation interact to produce chronic symptoms.At Dhanvantari Neuropsychiatry Centre, we provide evidence-based IBS treatment in Kolhapur using a psychiatric and gut–brain medicine approach — especially for patients whose symptoms persist despite gastroenterology treatment.If you experience recurring abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating bowel habits — particularly when stress worsens symptoms — psychiatric care can play a decisive role in long-term relief. Our approach to IBS follows the same principles of treatment as highlighted here. 

Reviewed by:

Dr Devavrat Harshe

MBBS, M.D., Ph.D.

 

Last Updated: January 2026

Psychiatrist in Kolhapur

Consult a psychiatrist for IBS treatment

Prefer messaging? WhatsApp for confidential guidance on IBS. 

What Is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?

 

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, meaning:

 

  • No structural disease on scans or endoscopy

  • Symptoms are real, chronic, and distressing

  • Strong link with stress, anxiety, sleep, and emotional regulation

 

Common IBS Symptoms

  • Recurrent abdominal pain or cramping

  • Bloating and gas

  • Diarrhea (IBS-D)

  • Constipation (IBS-C)

  • Alternating diarrhea and constipation (IBS-M)

  • Urgency, incomplete evacuation

  • Symptoms worsen during stress, anxiety, or emotional strain

Why Psychiatric Treatment Matters in IBS?

 

IBS Is a Gut–Brain Disorder

Modern research confirms that IBS involves:

 

  • Altered gut–brain signaling

  • Visceral hypersensitivity

  • Autonomic nervous system imbalance

  • Stress-hormone dysregulation

  • High association with anxiety, depression & health anxiety

 

This is why many patients:

  • Have normal medical tests

  • Do not improve with diet alone

  • Relapse during stress despite medications

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👉IBS commonly coexists with anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms, which significantly influence gut sensitivity. Therefore the brain–gut axis is essential for sustained improvement. 

IBS Treatment Approach at Our Psychiatry Centre

 

1. Comprehensive IBS Evaluation

 

We assess:

  • IBS subtype (D / C / Mixed)

  • Stress & anxiety contribution

  • Sleep quality

  • Medication history

  • Diet triggers and symptom patterns

  • Illness anxiety or fear-based symptom amplification

 

2. Psychiatric Medications for IBS (When Indicated)

 

Low-dose, gut-targeted psychiatric medications can:

  • Reduce visceral pain sensitivity

  • Normalize gut motility

  • Calm stress-induced flare-ups

  • Improve sleep and emotional regulation

 

These are not “heavy psychiatric drugs”, and are commonly recommended worldwide for IBS.

 

3. Psychological & Behavioral Interventions

  • Stress regulation strategies

  • IBS-specific psychoeducation

  • Anxiety reduction techniques

  • Cognitive restructuring for symptom hypervigilance

 

4. Collaborative Care (If Needed)

We work alongside gastroenterologists when:

 

  • Red-flag symptoms are present

  • Colonoscopy or further evaluation is required

  • Dual treatment offers best outcome

When Should You See a Psychiatrist for IBS?

 

You should strongly consider psychiatric IBS treatment if:

  • IBS symptoms worsen with stress or anxiety

  • Investigations are normal but symptoms persist

  • You fear food, travel, or public places due to IBS

  • Multiple medicines have failed

  • Symptoms fluctuate with mood and sleep

  • You experience IBS with panic, depression, or health anxiety

Is IBS “All in the Mind”?

​

Absolutely not.

 

IBS is:

  • A real psychological and neuro-gastrointestinal disorder

  • Caused by abnormal gut–brain communication

  • Influenced — but not imagined — by stress and emotions

  • Psychiatric treatment addresses the neurological and psychological control systems, not “imaginary symptoms”.

IBS Treatment Outcomes

 

With a structured gut–brain approach, many patients experience:

  • Reduced abdominal pain

  • Improved bowel regularity

  • Fewer flare-ups

  • Better stress tolerance

  • Improved quality of life

  • Early psychiatric involvement often prevents years of suffering.

 

IBS Treatment in Kolhapur – Why Choose Us?

  • Psychiatrist-led gut–brain expertise

  • Evidence-based, ethical care

  • Focus on long-term stability, not temporary relief

  • Individualized treatment — not one-size-fits-all

  • Trusted neuropsychiatry centre in Kolhapur

IBS Treatment Approach at Our Psychiatry Centre

 

Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) focuses on regulating the gut–brain axis, rather than treating the gut alone.Our approach is individualized and based on symptom pattern, stress sensitivity, and associated psychological factors.

 

1. Gut–Brain–Focused Psychiatric Care

  • Low-dose psychiatric medications may be used to:

    • reduce visceral pain sensitivity

    • stabilize gut motility

    • improve stress tolerance

    • normalize sleep–gut interactions

These medications are commonly recommended in international IBS guidelines and are distinct from high-dose psychiatric treatment used for other conditions.

 

2. Psychological & Behavioral Interventions

 

Psychological therapies play a central role in IBS management, particularly when symptoms fluctuate with stress or anxiety. These may include:

  • cognitive-behavioral strategies for symptom amplification

  • stress regulation and relaxation techniques

  • psychoeducation to reduce fear-driven gut sensitivity

 

3. Lifestyle & Supportive Measures

 

While IBS is not caused by lifestyle alone, supportive measures help reduce flare-ups:

  • sleep regulation

  • stress-load management

  • routine stabilization

Dietary guidance may be coordinated with gastroenterology when necessary.

 

4. Collaborative Medical Care

 

When required, care is coordinated with gastroenterologists to:

  • rule out red-flag conditions

  • optimize combined treatment

  • avoid unnecessary investigations

 

Treatment Philosophy

The goal of treatment is not temporary suppression of symptoms, but long-term stability, confidence, and quality of life.

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Struggling with IBS symptoms despite treatment?

 

Book a psychiatric IBS evaluation in Kolhapur to address the gut–brain cause, not just the gut.

​

​

Dhanvantari Nursing Home Neuropsychiatry Centre

331, E, Off Wilder Memorial Church, New Shahupuri,

Kolhapur. 416001. Maharashtra. India. 

Consult a psychiatrist for IBS treatment

Prefer messaging? WhatsApp for confidential guidance on IBS. 

About the author

Dr Devavrat Harshe

MBBS, MD, PhD

Senior Psychiatrist and Specialist

Psychiatrist in Kolhapur.webp

Medical Summary of The Page:

Clinical Overview of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Condition Name: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Category: Disorder of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBI)
Primary Systems Involved: Gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, autonomic nervous system

Diagnostic Frameworks:

  • Rome IV Criteria

  • ICD-10 (K58)

  • Clinical diagnosis after exclusion of red-flag conditions

Domains Affected:

  • Gut motility and sensitivity

  • Stress response and autonomic regulation

  • Mood, anxiety, and sleep

  • Quality of life and daily functioning

Common Subtypes:

  • IBS-D (Diarrhea predominant)

  • IBS-C (Constipation predominant)

  • IBS-M (Mixed bowel pattern)

Psychiatric & Psychological Associations:

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Depressive symptoms

  • Health anxiety

  • Stress-related symptom amplification

  • Sleep disturbances

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches:

  • Gut-targeted psychiatric medications (low dose)

  • Psychological therapies (CBT, stress regulation strategies)

  • Psychoeducation and reassurance

  • Coordinated care with gastroenterology when required

Expected Timeline of Improvement:

  • Symptom calming often begins within 2–4 weeks

  • Stable improvement typically seen over 6–12 weeks

  • Combined gut–brain approaches often yield faster and more sustained relief

Treatment Goals:

  • Reduction in abdominal pain and bowel distress

  • Improved stress tolerance

  • Decreased flare-ups

  • Long-term symptom stability and relapse prevention

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