Exclude or Expose in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Works for Whom, and How? A Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet-Delivered FODMAP Diet Versus Exposure-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This research project will assess how two treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (one dietary and one behavioral) work and for whom. This will be done by assessing moderators (what treatment works for who and in what context) and mediators (how treatment works). Investigators will also assess how the diet and behavioral treatments affect IBS symptoms during treatment. Participants will be randomized to either: i. A FODMAP diet online program that focuses on modifying the consumption of foods high or moderate in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPS) to manage IBS symptoms. or, ii. An Exposure-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (E-CBT) online program for IBS that focuses on changing symptom-related behaviors which are known to worsen IBS symptoms.
• Living in Australia or the United States
• Aged 18 years or older
• Body Mass Index (BMI) \[Equation\]18.5kg/m2 and \[Equation\] 34.9kg/m2
• Diagnosed with IBS by a General Practitioner, Family Physician, or Gastroenterologist, or Advanced Specialist Dietitian
• Currently fulfill Rome IV criteria for IBS
• Symptomatic at the time of recruitment (IBS-SSS \> 175)
• Access to a computer and internet
• Sufficient English language and computer skills to complete a text-based online treatment
• Willing to make dietary or behavioral changes in line with the allocated treatment program
• Ability to provide informed consent