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Effect of MBSR on Anxiety and Depression of Patients with Gastrointestinal Disorder (IBS-M)

Deoshree Akhouri, M. Madiha, Owais Ashraf, Sushma Kumari

Indian Journal of Psychiatry March 1, 2022 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.341610 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 24
Population Patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-M), aged 18-59 years, both genders, literate and illiterate, from rural and urban populations, recruited from Medicine and Psychiatry outpatient departments
Duration 2 months (weekly sessions), with follow-up 3 months after termination of therapy
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Key findings The authors report that an 8-week MBSR intervention improved anxiety, depression, and IBS-M symptoms and increased mindfulness in patients with IBS-M, with gradual improvement after each session. They conclude that MBSR positively affects these psychological and gastrointestinal outcomes.

Abstract

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of gastrointestinal system, characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation, or both. IBS-M (diarrhoea and constipation) has reported to cause significant distress to the person and often goes misdiagnosed; leading to different psychological problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, etc. These psychological problems maintain IBS-M. As these problems reduce, symptoms of IBS-M also reduce.

Aim: To assess and compare the effect of MBSR on anxiety and depression. To see the effect of MBSR on level of mindfulness of patients with IBS-M.

Methods: Total 24 patients of IBS, diagnosed by physician, between 18-59 years of age, both genders, literate and illiterate belonging from rural and urban population were included from the Medicine and Psychiatry OPD for the study. Those fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken for the study. After explaining the purpose of the study, consent was attained and assessment was done using different psychological tools. Patients were randomly divided into experimental (12) and control (12) groups. MBSR intervention was given for 2 months (weekly sessions) and follow-up was done after 3 months of termination of the therapy. For statistical analysis Wilcoxon Signed Ranked was used.

Results: Results shows that gradually, after every session improvement was found in anxiety and depression as well as IBS-M symptoms improved after MBSR intervention. Mindfulness also improved after every session.

Conclusion: The result concluded that 8-weeks MBSR intervention positively improves anxiety and depression and also increases the mindfulness of patients with IBS-M.

Comparable studies

Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients 2000 Randomized controlled trial n = 145
Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Cancer patients with life-threatening diagnoses and symptoms of depression and/or anxiety 2016 Randomized controlled trial n = 51
Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Patients with cancer-related anxiety and depression 2016 Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial n = 29
Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Hallucinogen-naïve adults reporting regular participation in religious or spiritual... 2006 Double-blind study n = 36
Pilot Study of Psilocybin Treatment for Anxiety in Patients With Advanced-Stage Cancer Adults with advanced-stage cancer and anxiety 2010 Double-blind, placebo-controlled study n = 12

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