Living with a chronic and unpredictable condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can take a toll on mental well-being. Individuals who suffer from it are more prone to anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to the challenges associated with managing the condition.

But, recent studies have shown evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce inflammation levels in people living with IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). Today, we are going to talk about this disease and what this dicovery means for more than 3 millions of Americans!

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Can Psychological Therapy help relieve Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

There is a research, involving more than 1,700 participants across 28 randomized controlled trials, that examined the effect of mood interventions on inflammatory biomarkers.

“Our study showed that interventions that treat mental health reduce levels of inflammation in the body. This indicates that mood interventions could be a valuable tool in our approach to help those with IBD.”

Natasha Seaton, lead author of the study and a doctoral candidate at King’s College London

So, according to the research and the lead author of the study, psychological therapies may offer significant relief for individuals with IBD. The study explored the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in managing symptoms and improving mental health outcomes.

While there is no cure for IBD, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve life quality for more than 3 millions of Americans who suffers from this disease. And the psychological therapy, aligned with dietary modifications, might be a way to deal with it, once medications, such as “infliximab”, can cost up to $15,000 per year, and has serious side effects.

What are the benefits of Psychological Therapies for IBD?

  • Reduced Stress and Anxiety: can equip individuals with coping mechanisms to manage stress and anxiety, and avoid worse IBD symptoms;
  • Improved Emotional Regulation: help individuals develop skills to regulate emotions effectively, promoting emotional well-being.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. It encompasses two main conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. While the exact cause of IBD remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to its development.

What are the causes of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The precise cause of IBD is yet to be fully understood. However, research suggests a complex interplay of several factors, which are:

  • Genetics: having a close family member with IBD significantly increases your risk of developing the condition;
  • Immune System Dysfunction: in IBD, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the digestive tract, leading to inflammation and tissue damage;
  • Environmental Triggers: certain factors like smoking, diet, and changes in gut bacteria are thought to contribute to the development or flare-ups of IBD.

What are the symptoms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The symptoms of IBD can vary depending on the severity and location of the inflammation. Some common signs include:

  • Abdominal pain and cramping
  • Diarrhea, which may be bloody in some cases
  • Urgent need to have a bowel movement (urgency)
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite

It is crucial to remember that this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you suspect you might have IBD, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.