IBS, gut brain connection and clinical reasoning: what all clinicians need to know (Carla Phillips)

Описание: IBS is one of the clearest real-world examples of the biopsychosocial model in action — and understanding it matters for all clinicians, not just those working in gastroenterology.

In this episode, dietitian Carla Phillips, an experienced dietician and academic explains IBS as a disorder of gut–brain interaction, why it should NOT be framed as “all in the head,” and how clinicians can reason safely without over-investigating or missing red flags. We explore the diagnostic procedure, symptomology and causes, the biopsychosocial model, as well as evidence based management and what advice and support you can give within your scope.

This is essential listening for:
• Physiotherapy or allied health students or new graduates wanting to develop their holistic understanding of health
• Allied health clinicians working diagnostically or with patients who suffer from IBS
• Clinicains or other individuals seeing persistent pain + overlapping symptoms

We cover:
✔ IBS diagnosis (Rome + NICE criteria)
✔ Why “diagnosis of exclusion” harms patients
✔ Stress, trauma, and symptom onset
✔ IBS overlap with pelvic pain, fatigue, fibromyalgia
✔ Red flags that require escalation
✔ When it’s safe to continue MSK care vs refer

📌 Key takeaway: IBS is real, common, and manageable — but only when clinicians avoid premature closure and expand their safety thinking.

Timestamps:
00:00–01:11 IBS as the perfect biopsychosocial syndrome (intro + why it matters)
01:11–02:38 Carla’s background + why dietetics alone isn’t enough
02:38–05:46 Listening, validation, and why IBS patients feel dismissed
05:46–07:02 What IBS actually is: a disorder of gut–brain interaction
07:02–10:27 Diagnosis shift: from exclusion → symptom-based (Rome/NICE)
10:27–13:07 Why positive diagnosis helps + brain scan & fermentation evidence
13:07–17:27 Full symptom picture + fatigue, pelvic overlap, stress/trauma triggers
17:27–22:54 What IBS can be mistaken for + red flags (bleeding, weight loss)
22:54–27:14 Investigations clinicians should consider + bone density risk
27:14–32:13 Diet, supplements, probiotics, and cutting through misinformation
32:13–38:02 IBS, pain and resources

Resources mentioned:
NICE IBS Guidelines (CG61) https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61
British Society of Gastroenterology IBS Guidance: https://www.bsg.org.uk/clinical-resou...
British Dietetic Association IBS Fact Sheets: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/irrit...

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Please note this video is intended as a teaching and learning resource for healthcare students or professionals, and is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for clinical assessment or professional training. Please follow the guidance of your health professional or educators.