Although the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome is a core component of gastroenterology practice, it can be a challenge for clinicians. Now classified as a disorder of gut–brain interaction, IBS-D can be debilitatingly painful for patients and greatly decreases quality of life. There are a number of treatments, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, but not every treatment works for every patient.
Lin Chang, MD, the co-director of the G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience at the University of California, Los Angeles, offered tips to optimize care for patients dealing with the condition.