Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is as much a psychological problem as it is physical, a study published in The Lancet has shown. According to the study, low-dose Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, can be used to manage IBS if first-line therapy doesn't work. IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterised by abdominal pain in association with change in stool form or frequency. First-line therapy includes dietary changes and lifestyle advice, soluble fibre, laxatives and antispasmodic or anti-diarrhoeal drugs.