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Introduction
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a clinical gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and constipation, diarrhea, or both in alternation. Despite its high prevalence (10% to 20% of the adult American population suffer from IBS), most Americans do not recognize IBS as a commom and bothersome medical disorder.
Recent telephone surveys (the Gastrointestinal [GI] Sufferer Study, the Physician Study, and the IBS Medications Side Effects Study) explored patients' and physicians' thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of the physical, quality-of-life, and economic dimensions of IBS. These surveys also helped to uncover communication gaps between patients and physicians.
IBS in Women: The Unmet Needs integrates the results from these surveys with the published literature to provide a timely and compelling look at the significant impact of IBS symptoms on women's lives and the communication gaps that complicate the diagnosis and treatment of IBS. This Executive Summary highlights key points presented in detail in the full report. It is inteneded to accompany the detailed discussion and is not meant to serve as a stand-alone reference source.
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