A recent study published in the
journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
suggests that training in meditation and other mindfulness-based techniques can
bring lasting improvements in mental health and quality of life for patients with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD, of which Crohn's
disease and ulcerative colitis are the principal types,
is a complex disease involving chronic inflammation of some or all of the
digestive tract.
‘Our study provides support for the
feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a tailored mindfulness-based
group intervention for patients with IBD,’ concludes the research report by Clinical
Professor Dr David Castle [pictured left], Chair of Psychiatry at St Vincent's
Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues. However, more research is
needed to demonstrate the clinical benefits of mindfulness techniques,
including whether they can help to reduce IBD symptoms and relapses.
The researchers evaluated a
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program tailored for patients with
IBD. The study included 60 adults with IBD: Crohn's disease or ulcerative
colitis. The patients' average age was 36 years, and average duration of IBD 11
years. Twenty-four patients had active disease at the time of the study.
The MBSR intervention consisted of the
usual 8 weekly group sessions plus a daylong intensive session, led by an
experienced instructor. The program included guided meditations, exercises
designed to enhance mindfulness in daily life, and group discussions of
challenges and experiences. Participants were also encouraged to perform daily ‘mindfulness
meditation’ at home.
Thirty-three patients agreed to
participate in the MBSR intervention, 27 of whom completed the program. Ratings
of mental health, quality of life, and mindfulness were compared to those of
the 27 patients who chose not to participate (mainly because of travel time).
Source: Medicine.Net.com
Anxiety, depression, and decreased
quality of life are common in patients with IBD. Psychological distress may
lead to increased IBD symptoms and play a role in triggering disease flare-ups.
The study revealed that the MBSR participants had greater reductions in anxiety
and depression scores, as well as improvement in physical and psychological
quality of life. They also had higher scores on a questionnaire measuring
various aspects of mindfulness--for example, awareness of inner and outer
experiences. Six months later, MBSR participants still had significant
reduction in depression and improvement in quality of life, with a trend toward
reduced anxiety. The patients were highly satisfied with the mindfulness
intervention.
Dr Castle and colleagues conclude, ‘A
larger adequately powered, randomised study with an active control arm is
warranted to evaluate the effectiveness of a mindfulness group program for
patients with IBD in a definitive manner.’
Study: Neilson K, Ftanou M, Monshat K, Salzberg M, Bell S, Kamm MA,
Connell W, Knowles SR, Sevar K, Mancuso SG, and Castle D. ‘A Controlled Study of a Group Mindfulness Intervention for Individuals Living With Inflammatory Bowel Disease’ (doi: 10.1097/MIB.0000000000000629).
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