A Trial of Multi-convergent Therapy for Functional Symptoms and Stress in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

A Randomised Controlled Trial of Multi-convergent Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients With Functional Abdominal Symptoms and High Perceived Stress

The purpose of this study is to determine whether multi-convergent therapy is helpful to patients with inflammatory bowel disease who have functional abdominal symptoms or high perceived levels of psychological stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Clinical Remission of inflammatory bowel disease as defined by an adapted disease activity index and a CRP <10
• Age 18 to 65 years
• Evidence of irritable bowel syndrome (Rome III criteria) or high perceived stress level (Levenstein perceived stress score > 0.44)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of steroids within 1 month of entry to study
• Initiation or change in dose of medication within 1 month of entry to the study
• Presence of ileostomy or colostomy
• Diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment
• Current psychosis or substance misuse
• Change in psychotropic medication in 3 months prior to entry to study
• Previous psychological interventions
• Pregnancy