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"Mind-based intervention" for IBS shows robust, enduring relief for patients

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Posted 4/30/2018 2:49 PM (GMT -5)
I find this incredible, if legit, which it seems to be.


/www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180423085404.htm

In the largest federally funded non-drug clinical trial for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), patients with the most severe and persistent symptoms achieved robust and sustained relief by learning to control symptoms with minimal clinician contact. Led by University at Buffalo researchers in collaboration with colleagues at New York University and Northwestern University, the study was published online before print in Gastroenterology.
Posted 4/30/2018 6:46 PM (GMT -5)
I feel it's good in the sense that people might have a treatment option where this is little to none - yet at the same time I'm highly concerned that something like this might take the focus off what exactly is potentially interfering with the gut/nervous system interaction in the first place. That worries me because its on the rise. And for sure it is not 'all in their heads'.

I'm also reminded of the story of the Crohn's kid that is in the bathroom 20+ times a day unless he is playing hockey. He can play for four plus hours and never once have the need/urge to go. Get him off the ice and it's back to the toilet right away.
Posted 4/30/2018 7:41 PM (GMT -5)
The results of the study were:

"Of 436 patients recruited at UB and Northwestern, 61 percent reported symptom improvement two weeks after home-based behavioral treatment ended compared to 55 percent in clinic-based treatment and 43 percent who received patient education."

I think it's hard to justify any wild claims about those results.

Activating the parasympathetic nervous system (via CBT and other techniques) can have a calming effect on the digestive system generally.

I agree with Mark that the headline has the potential to be misconstrued.... but the techniques are worthwhile.
Posted 4/30/2018 9:58 PM (GMT -5)
There's not enough information for me to pick through on the measures of improvement. I'm super curious but I feel like it's just an answer without data so far.
Posted 5/1/2018 8:41 AM (GMT -5)
It's novel but not enough description is given of what they did, methods, any measure against placebo, etc. The skeptical/cynical side of me wonders if it isn't just placebo affect
Posted 5/1/2018 9:21 AM (GMT -5)
I'm sure someone wants to write a book or something to monetize the research findings
Posted 5/4/2018 3:33 PM (GMT -5)
Hey I'd love to read the story about the Crohn's patient who could play hockey with no bathroom breaks. Can someone link that?

This research is interesting because I truly believe the connection between mind and gut is strong. I also believe that many people with IBS/GI issues have anxiety and the most widely recognized therapy for anxiety just happens to be CBT, which is what was used in this study.
Posted 5/4/2018 6:08 PM (GMT -5)
From memory I believe it was part of a larger article/story from a site called Best Story. A pay per view type thing. They have some stories written on a variety of topics. If it was not there, then it was one something close to that. I only remember it, or am reminded of it because I have had somewhat similar types of experiences with rowing. Before hand things are iffy, then out on the water, no issue the whole time. However the second I get off the boat and on the dock whamo... that urge. I remember crapping in the bushes just off to dock more than a few times lol.

Post Edited (Canada Mark) : 5/5/2018 6:43:56 AM (GMT-6)

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