Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or other intestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease could benefit from talk therapy and mindfulness, according to a new study. Researchers describe it as a low-cost alternative to usually very expensive treatments.
Friday January 26, 2024 at 11:35 AM
Scientists from King’s College London, with the support of the National Institute for Health and Care (NIHR) and the Medical Research Council (MRC), investigated the effects of talking therapies and mindfulness on patients suffering from chronic stomach conditions. They analyzed the results of 28 previous studies, in which a total of 1789 subjects participated.
Mental health
According to the researchers, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction produced the best results. Valeria Mondelli, professor at King’s College, points out that physical ailments can be positively influenced by improving mood and thus boosting the immune system.
“We already knew that stress-related feelings can worsen inflammation, and the research suggests that this type of inflammation can be limited by responding to the patient’s mood,” Mondelli said.
In concrete terms, the new study shows that the complaints of patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can be reduced by 18% if they receive a form of therapy that focuses on improving their mood. The therapy would therefore not replace other treatments, but it would be a valuable addition.
Camille Van Puymbroeck
