A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy(MBSRT)” in Reducing Symptom Severity and Improving Quality of Life in Patients Suffering From Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disease with a high prevalence. IBS is considered a disorder of brain-gut interaction. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy (MBSRT) is a form of treatment that uses meditation and relaxation to foster awareness and acceptance of the present moment. This kind of therapy requires individuals to practice noticing and observing details about their surroundings without passing judgment or reacting to triggers in the environment.Material and Methods: After making the diagnosis of IBS, 30 patients were subjected to concomitant MBSRT in addition to pharmacological therapy(Case Group) while the remaining were given only pharmacotherapy (Control Group). MBSRT was performed by a Clinical Psychologist. Seventeen patients were given only pharmacological therapy (Control Group). Scores were assessed using the IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire(FFMQ), and World Health Organisation Quality Of Life-BREF (WHO-QOL-BREF) before and after the completion of MBSRT sessions. Results:The study included 47 patients (30 in the case group and 17 in the control group) who presented to Medicine OPD and were diagnosed with IBS. Kendall tau correlation test was applied for IBS-SSS scores, which showed significant improvement in IBS-SSS scores postmindfulness therapy in the case group with P value of <0.001. McNemar test was applied for FFMQ scores, which showed significant improvement in FFMQ scores postmindfulness therapy in the case group with a P value of <0.001. A logistic regression model was also generated, which showed a significant change in QOL scores after MBSRT. Conclusion:IBS patients who received MBSRT had a greater improvement in the quality of life and mindfulness components and reduced IBS symptoms as compared with the control group.

Indian consensus statements on irritable bowel syndrome in adults: A guideline by the Indian Neurogastroenterology and Motility Association and jointly supported by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology

“…These interventions are also not available widely. In a non-randomized open-label controlled study on MBSRT on 47 IBS patients (30 on MBSRT and 17 pharmacological treatment alone), MBSRT led to a greater improvement in the quality of life and mindfulness components and reduced IBS symptoms as compared with the control group [144]. One Indian study also showed the efficacy of yoga in the treatment of IBS [101].…”

Stress management strategies for NP practice

“…14 Findings of this study showed that participants receiving the MBSRT intervention had a higher quality of life and reduced IBS symptoms as compared with the control group. 14 A separate study of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) strategy required participants to examine and experience the many details of three raisins by using their senses of smell, taste, and touch, then by slowly eating them one at a time while being fully immersed in the experience. 15 Th e NP can use a similar strategy in a healthcare setting using other types of food, such as pretzels, or having the patient drink a cup of water while fully focusing all their senses on slowly eating or drinking.…”

“…14 In this study, MBSRT entailed patients focusing on noticing details around them without reacting to triggers of stress, instead observing the situation in an objective manner without passing judgment. 14 Findings of this study showed that participants receiving the MBSRT intervention had a higher quality of life and reduced IBS symptoms as compared with the control group. 14 A separate study of a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) strategy required participants to examine and experience the many details of three raisins by using their senses of smell, taste, and touch, then by slowly eating them one at a time while being fully immersed in the experience.…”

“…In a study conducted in patients with cancer experiencing stress in an outpatient setting, a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program showed that the mindfulness meditation intervention effectively reduced symptoms of stress among patients of different ages and sexes with a wide variety of cancer diagnoses and stages 13. In a 2023 study conducted by Ashraf and colleagues, a mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (MBSRT) program was implemented to help patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 14. In this study, MBSRT entailed patients focusing on noticing details around them without reacting to triggers of stress, instead observing the situation in an objective manner without passing judgment 14.…”

“… 13 In a 2023 study conducted by Ashraf and colleagues, a mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (MBSRT) program was implemented to help patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 14 In this study, MBSRT entailed patients focusing on noticing details around them without reacting to triggers of stress, instead observing the situation in an objective manner without passing judgment. 14 Findings of this study showed that participants receiving the MBSRT intervention had a higher quality of life and reduced IBS symptoms as compared with the control group.…”