Biased attentional and emotional processing in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A cross sectional, between subject study

Abstract

Background: Biases in attention are related to symptom maintenance in many mental health problems as well as illnesses involving pain. We hypothesise that hypervigilance for threat, maintained attention with threatening content and self-identification with illness is related to symptom severity and quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods: In this between subjects design, we test 30 patients with IBS and 30 healthy individuals with well established measures of attention, the Dot-Probe and the IAT task. Mental health and symptom severity are assessed using questionnaires. Data will be analysed with ANCOVA and regression, looking at between group differences in attentional processes and symptoms, whilst controlling for the effect of psychological distress. Expected results: We expect patients with IBS to show hypervigilance for illness related information, with more attentional resources dedicated to this type of information, and a closer link between threatening information and participants’ identity. Current stage of work: Data Collection. Discussion: A clearer understanding of these attentional processes and their relationship to symptom severity will inform the design of effective and targeted psychological interventions for IBS.