Positive Health Online

Abstract

GOODHAND and COLLEAGUES, Centre for Gastroenterology, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK. j.goodhand@qmul.ac.uk review [136 refs] the evidence regarding psychological interventions targeted at inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Background

There is increasing evidence that psychological stress and associated mood disorders are linked with, and can adversely affect the course of, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methodology

Unfortunately, owing to methodological difficulties inherent in undertaking appropriately targeted and blinded trials, there are limited high-quality data regarding the effects on IBD of interventions aimed to ameliorate stress and mood disorders. Nevertheless, patients want psychological intervention as well as conventional medical strategies.

Results

Emerging trial evidence supports the suggestion that psychologically orientated therapy may ameliorate IBD-associated mood disorders, but there are no strong data as of yet to indicate that stress management has a beneficial effect on the activity or course of IBD.

Conclusion

As yet, which, when and how interventions targeted at psychological stress and mood disturbances should be offered to individual patients with IBD is not clear. [References: 136]

References

Goodhand JR, Wahed M and Rampton DS. Management of stress in inflammatory bowel disease: a therapeutic option?. [Review] [136 refs]. Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology. 3(6):661-79. Dec 2009.