Psychological treatments are initiated when symptoms are severe enough to impair health-related quality of life. Mental health referral may also be made for treatment of associated psychiatric disorders such as major depression. These methods include cognitive-behavioral treatment, dynamic (interpersonal) psychotherapy, hypnosis, and stress management/relaxation. Though benefit has been seen with these therapeutic methods in the relief of abdominal pain, diarrhea and anxiety, constipation has not been improved, and the effect on various subgroups of patients has not been investigated. (4 AGA Med Pos Stat)