MIBS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mindfulness for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IRAS ID
185287
Contact name
J Henrich
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and associated bowel dysfunction (e.g. diarrhoea, constipation). Specific cognitive processes and psychological distress are considered maintaining factors of IBS and changes in these factors may be correlated with symptom improvement. Mindfulness is an effective treatment of IBS. However it is unclear through which mental processes mindfulness leads to symptom improvement. Currently training in mindfulness involves a substantial time and monetary commitment. We have developed a shortened, targeted mindfulness intervention for individuals with IBS: mindfulness based cognitive therapy for IBS (MBCT for IBS), which, if proven effective may lead to savings in time and costs for both patients and the health care system.
The first aim is to investigate whether MBCT for IBS leads to symptom improvement. Secondly we will examine if the intervention leads to changes in cognitive processes and if a change in cognitive processes leads to symptom improvement.
Volunteers will be recruited from the general public, GPs, Gastroenterology clinics, and from among the students and staff of Oxford University. The IBS group will meet the Rome III criteria for IBS and report a doctor’s diagnosis. Participants will be randomly allocated to immediate or delayed treatment. MBCT for IBS involves weekly two hour group sessions over the course of six to seven consecutive weeks. Assessments of cognitive processes, psychological distress and symptom severity will be taken prior to, during and after completion the intervention. MBCT for IBS and the assessments will take place in locations of the University of Oxford and online.
MBCT for IBS may be a cost effective and acceptable treatment for patients with IBS. Knowledge of mechanisms of change will help researchers and clinicians develop and select appropriate therapy for patients with IBS.
Stiftung Oskar Helene Heim is funding this research project.REC name
South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SC/0618
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion