Twenty-three consecutive Arab out-patients residing in Qatar with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were psychologically, socially, and biologically tested. An objective personality test, the MMPI, was administered in the Arabic language. Most subjects showed evidence of some form of depressive or psychopathic features. A dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was also completed by 21 patients, and cortisol levels were found to be suppressed in all subjects. Social analysis was completed using a direct interview with a social worker and revealed that 14 patients had been subjected to some form of psychosocial stress prior to their illness. Treatment modalities were also examined, including individual and group psychotherapy, family therapy, relaxation training and hypnosis trans-cutaneous nerve end stimulation, and tricyclic antidepressants for a short period. An 18-month followup of 19 patients who received an eclectic package of such therapies was completed, and it was found that 16 showed at least partial recovery. An 80 subject control study was also examined which revealed that 46% showed abdominal symptoms and 59% showed anxiety and tension symptoms. It is concluded that psychopathology plays a great role in the aetiology and management of patients with IBS.