OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of antidepressant on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

METHODSA self-control and follow-up study on subclinical dosage of antidepressants therapy (fluoxetine 10 mg/d, paroxetine 10 mg/d or doxepin 45 mg/d) for 9-12 wks in 46 patients with refractory IBS symptoms according to Rome II criteria was performed, the clinical outcomes were evaluated by scales changes of symptom-related-anxiety, severity index of symptom, and quality of life specific of IBS, as well as general psychiatric health by SCL-90 during treatment and follow-up periods.

RESULTSAll 46 cases completed therapy and first follow-up unit (12 wks after treatment) (FFU), at the end of FFU, clinical symptoms in all patients were improved (P < 0.01). Comparison of the scores of symptom-related-anxiety, index of symptom, and quality of life specific of IBS at the end of FFU with that at basal level, indexes of the severity (3.4 +/- 1.5 vs 1.8 +/- 0.84) and frequency (3.8 +/- 1.60 vs 2.0 +/- 0.76) of symptoms were subsided significantly (P < 0.01, respectively); the scores of symptom-anxiety questionnaire including body anxiety (16.04 +/- 1.65 vs 10.83 +/- 1.64, P < 0.001), cognitive anxiety (18.78 +/- 2.12 vs 11.17 +/- 1.89, P < 0.001), fear (15.80 +/- 1.76 vs 10.78 +/- 1.85, P < 0.001) and avoiding (15.47 +/- 1.53 vs 10.16 +/- 1.59, P < 0.001) were also subsided significantly. In the meantime, IBS-QoL improved significantly (P < 0.05), dysphoria, body image, interference with activity, health worry, social reaction and overall scores were improved significantly (P < 0.01, respectively). The status of general psychiatric health was also improved significantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSTreatment of refractory IBS with subclinical dosage antidepressant is rational and effective, However a further study on its mechanisms is suggested.