OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects a course of instruction about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might have on symptoms, psychological well-being, and medical care requirements in these patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine women with IBS participated in a programme of instruction on medical care, physical activity, stress-management, diet and health insurance. The women completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-Being Index and provided information about their requirements of medical care before and after the course. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the women included, completed the questionnaires at 12 months after the course. When comparing these values to those at baseline, there were improvements in abdominal pain (p < 0.037) and vitality (p < 0.045) as well as a reduction in the number of visits to physicians (p < 0.037) and dieticians (p < 0.042). CONCLUSION: Information related to the disease, might help women with IBS to perceive less pain and more vitality and thereby experience a higher quality of life. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A course of instruction for patients with IBS may be of benefit for the patients, and could be a part of a multicomponent approach in the treatment of this patient group.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects a course of instruction about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) might have on symptoms, psychological well-being, and medical care requirements in these patients. METHODS: Twenty-nine women with IBS participated in a programme of instruction on medical care, physical activity, stress-management, diet and health insurance. The women completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Psychological General Well-Being Index and provided information about their requirements of medical care before and after the course. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the women included, completed the questionnaires at 12 months after the course. When comparing these values to those at baseline, there were improvements in abdominal pain (p < 0.037) and vitality (p < 0.045) as well as a reduction in the number of visits to physicians (p < 0.037) and dieticians (p < 0.042). CONCLUSION: Information related to the disease, might help women with IBS to perceive less pain and more vitality and thereby experience a higher quality of life. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: A course of instruction for patients with IBS may be of benefit for the patients, and could be a part of a multicomponent approach in the treatment of this patient group.
Authors: John M Kelley; Anthony J Lembo; J Stuart Ablon; Joel J Villanueva; Lisa A Conboy; Ray Levy; Carl D Marci; Catherine E Kerr; Irving Kirsch; Eric E Jacobson; Helen Riess; Ted J Kaptchuk Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 2009-08-06 Impact factor: 4.312
Authors: Ted J Kaptchuk; John M Kelley; Lisa A Conboy; Roger B Davis; Catherine E Kerr; Eric E Jacobson; Irving Kirsch; Rosa N Schyner; Bong Hyun Nam; Long T Nguyen; Min Park; Andrea L Rivers; Claire McManus; Efi Kokkotou; Douglas A Drossman; Peter Goldman; Anthony J Lembo Journal: BMJ Date: 2008-04-03