Does IBS Only Affect "Nervous, Anxious Women"?

There are many myths surrounding IBS, and most of these do more harm than good. Sadly, even the  medical establishment and physicians who should know better continue to embrace and promote these outdated fallacies, placing a terrible burden on patients trying to obtain a proper diagnosis and seek treatment.

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One of the more popular misconceptions is that IBS is a psychological disorder that primarily affects women because, you know, women are so terribly emotional and men aren't (insert sarcasm). Fortunately, we have Mark Pimentel, MD, on our side. Dr. Pimentel is the executive director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He has made it a personal mission to not only help uncover the cause of IBS and treat its various forms but to also educate his fellow clinicians.

Please enjoy this interview between Healio (a website that features specialty clinical information) and Dr. Pimentel, as the acclaimed IBS researcher discusses some of the antiquated beliefs that many physicians still hold, how these misguided views can put patients in harm's way, and what steps he is taking to educate his colleagues: Q&A with Dr. Mark Pimentel. 

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