[Protocolized cognitive-behavioural group therapy for inflammatory bowel disease]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is frequently associated with significant psychiatric comorbidities, including depression and anxiety.
• These emotional disorders can negatively impact the quality of life and disease management for IBD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and validate a protocolized psychological treatment program for IBD patients.
• The program integrated a coping model and psycho-educational strategies tailored to IBD.
• Key intervention modules included illness information, coping strategies, problem-solving, relaxation, social skills, distraction, and cognitive restructuring.

Main Methods:

• A total of 57 IBD patients participated.
• Participants were randomly assigned to either a treatment group (33 patients) or a waiting list control group (24 patients).
• The treatment was delivered in group sessions.

Main Results:

• The treatment group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in anxiety and depression compared to the control group (p < 0.001 for both).
• These improvements were maintained at 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention.
• The psychological intervention proved effective in alleviating emotional symptoms.

Conclusions:

• A protocolized group psychological treatment program is effective for managing emotional symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
• This approach offers a viable strategy for improving the mental health and well-being of individuals living with IBD.