Mindfulness-Based Therapies to treat gastrointestinal disorders

2015-01-09 09:17:40

Gastrointestinal disorders are very common and standard treatments tend to be unsatisfactory. A recent study examined mindfulness-based therapies as an alternative treatment ⁽¹⁾, since mindfulness-based therapies have shown to benefit chronic pain, mood, and somatization disorders. A meta-analysis was conducted that included searching various medical databases. Eight articles describing seven studies met the inclusion criteria. In six studies, significant improvements were achieved or maintained by the end of the intervention. Effects were significant for IBS severity and quality of life. The authors conclude that mindfulness therapies may provide benefit in functional gastrointestinal disorders, but that substantial improvements in the research processes are required.