Table 1. Rome III diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome.
| Recurrent abdominal pain or discomforta for at least 3 days per month, in the last 3 months, and associated with two or more of the following: |
| a. Improvement with defecation |
| b. Onset associated with a change in stool frequency |
| c. Onset associated with a change in stool form or appearance |
| The Rome III criteria are fulfilled when symptoms are present for the last 3 months, with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis |
a
Discomfort means an uncomfortable sensation not described as pain. In research and clinical trials, a discomfort frequency of at least 2 days a week during screening is required for subject eligibility.