P02.150 LB
Purpose: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by symptoms of abdominal discomfort and alterations in bowel habits. The pathophysiology of IBS is not well understood, though it is believed that stress may play a role in the disease. Diet, lifestyle changes, and pharmacological treatments are partially effective therapies for IBS. Several psychological and mind-body therapies have demonstrated promise in the treatment of some patients. This study seeks to test the effectiveness of a mind-body therapy, Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program on a sample of IBS patients.
Methods: 23 subjects were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing a mind-body therapy, SMART, to a control stress management DVD. Participants filled out questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks measuring perceived stress, resilience, mindfulness, anxiety, quality of life, satisfaction with life, gratitude, IBS symptom severity, IBS quality of life, and visceral sensitivity. Between-group and within-group comparisons were made between baseline and 12 week measurements.
Results: There were no significant differences between-groups for any outcomes. Significant within-group differences were observed in the active arm for anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item), satisfaction with life (Satisfaction with Life Scale), and gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire 6-item). There were no significant within-group differences for any outcomes in the control arm.
Conclusion: SMART has the potential to improve anxiety, satisfaction with life, and gratitude in a sample of IBS patients. Further studies with adequately powered sample sizes are needed.
Contact: Varun Sharma, sharma.varun@mayo.edu
