Top 10 research priorities for irritable bowel syndrome: results of a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent, chronic disorder of gut–brain interaction (DGBI), characterised by abdominal pain in association with change in stool form or frequency. 1 It affects 5% of the global population, 2 and can be difficult to treat, affecting social functioning, ability to work, and quality of life. 1 Impact on quality of life can be worse than other chronic diseases including diabetes, arthritis, and heart failure. 3 People living with IBS would be willing to accept considerable risks from a hypothetical medication in return for cure of symptoms. 4 The economic impact is substantial, estimated at over £1 billion per year in the UK. 5 Despite recent successes in the UK, in terms of grant awards to perform clinical trials in the condition, 6 , 7 IBS is generally not viewed as a priority for research funding.