Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder. In most patients, it is combined with mental and psychological abnormalities and results in a considerable decline in quality of life. The precise etiology of IBS is still unknown, but it may be related to gastrointestinal motility abnormalities, visceral hypersensitivity, mucosal immunity abnormalities, alteration of intestinal flora and gut-brain axis abnormalities. Traditional drugs have been less effective in treating IBS. The neuromodulators, including tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can not only moderate pain sensation, reduce visceral hypersensitivity, regulate gastrointestinal motility and improve symptoms, but also treat patients associated with mental and psychological abnormalities. In this paper, the application of neuromodulators in the treatment of IBS is briefly reviewed.

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