Center for IBS & GI Motility Research

About Our Research Center

The Center for IBS & GI Motility at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is focused on advancing knowledge on the diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal (FGID) and motility disorders. In addition to conducting evidence-based research studies looking at the biological causes and psychosocial components of FGIDs and motility disorders, the Center is committed to investigating new treatments including pharmacological, complementary/alternative, and lifestyle-based interventions.

Alongside our close collaborations with industry and pharma evaluating new investigational drugs, our Center is leading the way in providing complementary and alternative treatments for FGIDs. Some of our current and past research studies include:

  • Multi-strain probiotics
  • Natural plant supplements for chronic diarrhea
  • Vibrating mechanical capsule for constipation
  • Fecal microbiota transplantation for IBS
  • Different diet strategies for IBS and SIBO
  • Behavioral therapy for insomnia in patients with IBS
  • Open-label placebo treatment

Our Investigators

Judy Nee, MD

Judy Nee, MD

Director of the Motility Center

Johanna Iturrino Moreda, MD

Johanna Iturrino Moreda, MD

Vikram Rangan, MD

Vikram Rangan, MD

Sarah Ballou, PhD

Sarah Ballou, PhD

Director of GI Psychology

For inquiries related to our research, please email us.

Selected Recent Publications

Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Ballou S, Katon J, Rangan V, Cheng V, Nee J, Iturrino J, Lembo A.

Use of Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Patient Satisfaction Based on the IBS in America Survey. Rangan V, Ballou S, Shin A, Camilleri M; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center GI Motility Working Group, Lembo A.

Sleep Disturbances Are Commonly Reported Among Patients Presenting to a Gastroenterology Clinic. Ballou S, Alhassan E, Hon E, Lembo C, Rangan V, Singh P, Hirsch W, Sommers T, Iturrino J, Nee J, Lembo A.

Open-label versus double-blind placebo treatment in irritable bowel syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Ballou S, Kaptchuk TJ, Hirsch W, Nee J, Iturrino J, Hall KT, Kelley JM, Cheng V, Kirsch I, Jacobson E, Conboy L, Lembo A, Davis RB.

Breath Methane Does Not Correlate With Constipation Severity or Bloating in Patients With Constipation. Singh P, Duehren S, Katon J, Rangan V, Ballou S, Patel R, Iturrino J, Lembo A, Nee J.