Effects of Relaxation Response Mind-body Intervention in Patients With IBS and IBD

Genomic and Clinical Effects Associated With a Relaxation Response Mind-Body Intervention in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In this pilot study, the investigators examined whether a relaxation response mind-body intervention could be effectively delivered to mixed groups of IBS and IBD patients and determined the effects of the intervention on quality of life, inflammatory markers, and gene expression using transcriptional profiling.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with documented IBS (confirmed by the Rome III diagnostic criteria for 6 months) or IBD (upper limit for Harvey-Bradshaw index [HBI] = 20, upper limit of simple clinical colitis activity index [SCCAI] = 18) by their primary care provider or gastroenterologist
• 18-75 years old
• Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with IBS were excluded if they had abdominal surgery in the past 5 years (with the exception of appendectomy, cholecystectomy) or documentation of GI motility disorder.
• Patients with IBD were excluded if they used NSAIDS chronically, were on a prednisone dose ≥20 mg/day, or if surgery was anticipated in the 10-weeks following enrollment.
• Current evidence of duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, diverticulitis, esophagitis or infectious gastroenteritis, or any acute gastrointestinal process, as well as if concurrent total parental nutrition or tube feeding were being used.
• Recent (within the last 4-weeks) changes in IBS/IBD medications, planned changes in diet, or current use of steroids
• Currently pregnant or attempting to become pregnant
• Currently (>3-weeks) practicing Tai Chi, meditation, yoga, individual mind/body based psychotherapy or counseling,
• Initiated psychotherapy within the last 8-weeks
• Using psychotropic medications (except at stable doses for at least 12-weeks),
• Has an untreated psychiatric disorder