Mindfulness therapy reduces IBS symptoms, improves life quality

Mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (MBSRT) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) results in improved quality of life and mindfulness components, as well as reduced IBS symptoms, when compared with controls, a study has shown.

“MBSRT is a form of treatment that uses meditation and relaxation to foster awareness and acceptance of the present moment,” the authors said. “This kind of therapy requires individuals to practice noticing and observing details about their surroundings without passing judgment or reacting to triggers in the environment.”

Forty-seven patients with a diagnosis of IBS were included in the study. Of these, 30 underwent concomitant MBSRT in addition to pharmacological therapy (case group), while the rest received only pharmacotherapy (control group). A clinical psychologist performed the MBSRT.

The authors assessed scores using the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHO-QOL-BREF) before and after completion of the MBSRT sessions.

After applying the Kendall tau correlation test, the authors observed a significant improvement in IBS-SSS scores in the case group (p<0.001) following mindfulness therapy. They then applied the McNemar test, which also revealed a significant improvement in FFMQ scores in those who underwent MBSRT (p<0.001). Finally, the logistic regression model showed a marked change in QOL scores after MBSRT.

“IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disease with a high prevalence,” the authors said. “IBS is considered a disorder of brain-gut interaction.”