The study, which took the form of a randomized controlled trial, is the biggest so far to have tested these types of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The trial took place in the United Kingdom under the direction of researchers from the University of Southampton and King's College London who detail the methods and findings in a paper that features in the journal Gut.

IBS is a common intestinal condition with persistent symptoms that can markedly affect a person's quality of life.

The new findings could help to widen access under the National Health Service (NHS) to effective psychological therapy for people with IBS.

The U.K. clinical guidelines recommend CBT for people with IBS whose ongoing symptoms remain unresponsive to drugs after 12 months.

The trial investigators state that while CBT can "reduce symptom scores and improve quality of life by targeting unhelpful beliefs and coping behaviors," scientists remain unclear about which methods of delivery are most effective.

Previous studies have suggested that face-to-face sessions of CBT can help to reduce symptoms of IBS.

"However," as first study author Dr. Hazel A. Everitt, who is an associate professor in general practice at the University of Southampton, explains, "in my experience as a G.P., I have found that availability [of face-to-face CBT] is extremely limited."

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