Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Anxiety, depression, and catecholamine levels after self-management intervention in irritable bowel syndrome
Wimon Deechakawan1, Margaret M Heitkemper, Kevin C Cain
1Wimon Deechakawan, PhD, RN, is Research Nurse, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Margaret M. Heitkemper, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Kevin C. Cain, PhD, is Research Scientist, Department of Biostatistics and Office for Nursing Research, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Robert L. Burr, MSEE, PhD, is Research Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Monica E. Jarrett, PhD, RN, is Professor, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Abstract:
Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often report higher levels of psychological distress, specifically anxiety, and depression than non-IBS patients. The management of gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological distress is demonstrably amenable to cognitive-behavioral therapies in a significant number of patients with IBS. The present secondary analysis evaluates the impact of nurse-delivered self-management interventions on anxiety, depression, and urine catecholamine levels in adult IBS patients. Participants in the study were randomized to 2 intervention groups of either comprehensive self-management (CSM) intervention or usual care control. Daily diary ratings of gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, and depression were recorded every evening for 28 days during the baseline period and subsequently at 3, 6, and 12 months postrandomization. Catecholamine levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured from 4 weekly 1st morning urine samples at baseline as well as at each follow-up time. The CSM group reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression at follow-up than the usual care group (p = .018 and .021, respectively). In contrast, urine catecholamine levels displayed no appreciable change. Thus, although nurse-delivered CSM interventions showed no impact on urinary catecholamine levels, daily psychological distress was measurably reduced.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
01:23Irritable Bowel Syndrome
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:29Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...