I am 35 Male and had IBS between the age of 20-22, IBS is usually caused by an emotional problem, but this doesn't mean that you are emotionally different from anyone else, it can be due to life circumstances, something that has happened. Anyway, I went through hell. My whole life was turned right upsidown. But for me, that was a long time ago but I would be more than happy to speak with anyone who is going through this right now. Looking back on it, the problem is that you cannot see the cause when you are in it and that is why it becomes so frightening also. my IBS (what I had) was a somatoform disorder - usually emotions that have no outlet so present physicaly. The physical symptoms are real and not something that the mind make up. Anyway I would be please to hear from anyone who needs sound advice