Behavior therapy for irritable bowel

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A clinical trial demonstrates the utility of cognitive behavior therapy in treating irritable bowel syndrome.
It can be hard to find an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Now researchers in London reveal that the psychological approach may be effective.

They describe a clinical trial in which 72 patients received the drug mebeverine and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) given by trained nurses. Another 77 received the drug alone. Initial improvements were more pronounced in the CBT group and these persisted at three and six months after therapy but not beyond this. This group also showed improvement on measures of work and social adjustment, although the impact of CBT on anxiety and depression was inconsistent. The researchers conclude that CBT can be helpful for at least some patients with IBS.

Source
British Medical Journal 20th August 2005

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