I've tried eliminating wheat, sugar (in case it was fructose malabsorption), dairy, etc. I've tried tons of supplements like fish oil or vitamin D. Interestingly, each of those except dairy had very positive effects on my health in general (weight loss, clearer skin, elimination of seasonal depression) but had little effect on IBS symptoms.
What did improve it (but not eliminate it) was taking an SSRI, which isn't surprising since they have been shown to help in trials. My mother also has both IBS and an anxiety disorder, which is consistent with research showing that there is a genetic factor. I wouldn't be surprised if there are multiple possible underlying causes, but I really think IBS is a legitimate diagnosis.
What did improve it (but not eliminate it) was taking an SSRI, which isn't surprising since they have been shown to help in trials. My mother also has both IBS and an anxiety disorder, which is consistent with research showing that there is a genetic factor. I wouldn't be surprised if there are multiple possible underlying causes, but I really think IBS is a legitimate diagnosis.