While IBS is often referred to as a single condition, there are three main subtypes. These are classified according to the predominant bowel habit.

The first type of IBS is known as Constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C). People with IBS-C experience abdominal pain along with infrequent bowel movements, lumpy or hard stools, and straining or incomplete emptying during bowel. People with IBS-C may also experience bloating.

The second type is Diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D). People with IBS-D have abdominal pain as well as frequent bowel movements, loose and watery stools, or frequent feelings of bowel urgency. This is the most frequently experienced subtype, accounting for about 40% of those diagnosed with IBS.

The third type is Mixed IBS (IBS-M). This type involves episodes of both constipation and diarrhea. It's common for people with IBS-M to go back and forth between the two within the same month, week, or even day.

Some people have symptoms every day, while others have long symptom-free periods. Although symptoms of IBS can change over time, people tend to develop their own pattern.

To determine which type of IBS you may have, it is important to track your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor.

The good news is that gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) can help deliver relief regardless of which sub-type you are experiencing. There’s an ever growing body of evidence showing just how effective gut-directed hypnotherapy is in relieving IBS symptoms and improving gut function. GDH’s use in IBS management is recommended by the American College of Gastroenterologists (2021 clinical guidelines) and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline covering the diagnosis and management of IBS (Clinical guideline - CG61).

Summary

• There are three main types of IBS: IBS-C, IBS-D, and IBS-M.

• IBS-D is the most common subtype.

• A person’s sub-type can change over time.