Management of stress in inflammatory bowel disease: a therapeutic option?

The Interaction between Stress and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Pediatric and Adult Patients

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have seen an exponential increase in incidence, particularly among pediatric patients. Psychological stress is a significant risk factor influencing the disease course. This review assesses the interaction between stress and disease progression, focusing on articles that quantified inflammatory markers in IBD patients exposed to varying degrees of psychological stress. Methods: A systematic narrative literature review was conducted, focusing on the interaction between IBD and stress among adult and pediatric patients, as well as animal subjects. The research involved searching PubMed, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases from 2000 to December 2023. Results: The interplay between the intestinal immunity response, the nervous system, and psychological disorders, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a major role in IBD pathophysiology. Various types of stressors alter gut mucosal integrity through different pathways, increasing gut mucosa permeability and promoting bacterial translocation. A denser microbial load in the gut wall emphasizes cytokine production, worsening the disease course. The risk of developing depression and anxiety is higher in IBD patients compared with the general population, and stress is a significant trigger for inducing acute flares of the disease. Conclusions: Further large studies should be conducted to assess the relationship between stressors, psychological disorders, and their impact on the course of IBD. Clinicians involved in the medical care of IBD patients should aim to implement stress reduction practices in addition to pharmacological therapies.

Association between inflammatory bowel disease and subsequent depression or anxiety disorders - A retrospective cohort study of 31,728 outpatients

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are characterized by chronic intestinal and systemic inflammation. The extraintestinal sequelae of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are major contributors to disease morbidity and significantly affect patients' quality of life. Here, we evaluated the association between IBD and subsequent depression or anxiety disorder in a large outpatient collective from Germany.

METHODS

15,864 individual IBD patients (CD: n = 6,791, UC: n = 9073) and 15,864 nearest neighbor propensity score matched patients without IBD were included from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA). Diagnoses of depression and anxiety disorders were compared between IBD and non-IBD patients during a five-year follow-up period using Kaplan-Meier estimators and Cox-regression models.

RESULTS

After 5 years of follow-up, depression was diagnosed in 14.4% of CD patients versus 10.2% of matched pairs (p < 0.001) and in 13.1% of UC patients versus 10.1% of matched pairs (p < 0.001). In line, the incidence of anxiety order was significantly higher among CD (4.7% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.009) and UC patients (4.3% vs. 3.5%, p = 0.005). Regression analysis confirmed a significant association between IBD and both mental conditions (Hazard Ratio (HR)CD/depression: 1.40, HRUC/depression: 1.32, HRCD/anxiety disorder: 1.21, HRUC/anxiety disorder: 1.28). Subgroup analyses revealed a stronger association for CD and depression (HR: 1.51) and UC and depression (HR:1.49) among male patients as well as UC and anxiety disorders (HR: 1.51) among female patients.

CONCLUSION

Our data argue for a significant association between IBD and mental diseases including depression and anxiety disorders. Although further pathophysiological research is warranted, we hypothesize that specific psychological screening measures in IBD patients could improve quality of life and outcome.

Flare-Ups in Crohn's Disease: Influence of Stress and the External Locus of Control

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to explore the role of perceived stress and the health locus of control in Crohn's disease and their influence upon the development of flare-ups of this disease. (2) Methods: Stress and the external locus of control were evaluated in a sample of 64 Crohn's patients (flare-up phase versus latency phase). The perceived stress scale (PSS-14) and the multidimensional health locus of control scale were the measurement instruments used. (3) Results: The results indicate that the patients have high stress levels during a flare-up (26.13; 27.44; 28.79; 29.67); high stress levels (28.07; 29.67; 27.44; 28.07) if they have a high external locus of control; and that the external locus of control and stress levels have a significant influence upon the existence of flare-ups in those patients with low external locus of control levels (χ2 = 11.127; df = 1: p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Actions aimed at reducing stress and external locus of control levels are necessary in Crohn's disease.

Systematic review: the role of psychological stress in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Psychological stress is a possible factor in the disease course and poor psychosocial outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Understanding the exact relationship between stress and health has been hampered by methodological issues and how stress has been defined and measured.

AIMS

To explore the association between stress and disease outcomes, investigate the impact of stress on psychosocial outcomes, and evaluate the efficacy of interventions in reducing stress for people with IBD METHODS: We performed a systematic review, searching Medline, CINAHL, Embase and PsycInfo databases on 21 January 2021. We included prospective studies that recruited people with IBD who were aged 16 or over and that measured psychological stress or distress. Analyses included Critical Appraisal Skills Programme quality assessments of included studies and narrative analyses against each research question.

RESULTS

We reviewed 38 studies with 4757 people with IBD, and included 23 observational and 15 interventional studies using 36 different instruments to measure stress. Perceived stress was the most frequently studied concept and preceded IBD exacerbation. Only three studies examined the relationship between stress and psychosocial factors. Cognitive behavioural interventions may reduce stress and other interventions with disease-specific stress, but more studies are needed where groups have comparable baseline characteristics and potential harms are considered alongside benefits.

CONCLUSION

Psychological stress appears to precede IBD exacerbation, although what role it plays in psychosocial outcomes and how it is best managed is unclear. Further research needs to examine the differential effects of stress on disease subtypes and IBD in flare and remission.

Psychological interventions for inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and component network meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) often report psychological problems, unemployment, disability, sick leave and compromised quality of life. The effect of psychological interventions on health-related outcomes in IBD is controversial as previous reviews faced the obstacle of high heterogeneity among provided multimodular interventions. The heterogeneity can be addressed with network meta-analysis (NMA) and (multi)component NMA (CNMA). We aim to investigate whether psychological interventions can improve quality of life, clinical and social outcomes in IBD using NMA and CNMA. This is the study protocol.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will consider randomised, quasi-randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, including cluster randomised and cross-over trials with 2 months of minimum follow-up. The conditions to be studied comprise Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in children, adolescents and adults. We will include any psychological intervention aiming to change the health status of the study participant.We will search Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, LILACS, Psyndex, PsycINFO, Google Scholar and trial registries from inception (the search will be updated before the review completion). Two authors will independently screen all references based on titles and abstracts. For data extraction, standard forms are developed and tested before extraction. All information will be assessed independently by at least two reviewers, and disagreements solved by consensus discussion or a third rater if necessary.The data synthesis will include a pairwise meta-analysis supported by meta-regression. We will conduct NMA (all treatments will constitute single nodes of the network) and CNMA (we will define all treatments as sums of core components, eg, cognitive +behaviour, or cognitive +behaviour + relaxation, and additionally consider interactions) using the R Package netmeta.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethical approval is required. Reports will include the final report to the funder, conference presentation, peer-reviewed publication and a patient report.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021250446.

Understanding and managing psychological disorders in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a practical guide

Mood disturbances such as anxiety and depression are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and impact negatively on their quality of life and disease course. An integrated multidisciplinary IBD team, which includes access to psychology and psychiatry opinion, makes possible the prompt recognition and management of psychological disturbance in patients with IBD. Based on our experience and existing literature, including systematic reviews of the effectiveness of available treatment modalities, a stepwise approach to the maintenance and restoration of psychological well-being is recommended, evolving upwards from lifestyle advice, through behavioural therapies to pharmacotherapy.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Quality of Life of Patients With Crohn Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with Crohn disease have debilitating psychological symptoms, mental fatigue, and poor quality of life. Psychological intervention may improve these symptoms.

METHODS

We performed a randomized parallel-group physician-blinded trial of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based stress reduction (COBMINDEX) on quality of life and psychological symptoms in adults with mild-moderate Crohn disease. COBMINDEX was taught by social workers in one-on-one video conferences over 3 months; quotidian home practice was mandated.

RESULTS

Fifty-five COBMINDEX and 61 waitlist control patients completed the study; mean age was 33 years and 65% of participants were women. At 3 months, COBMINDEX patients had significantly reduced disease activity (per Harvey-Bradshaw Index score, C-reactive protein level, and calprotectin level), increased quality of life (Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [SIBDQ] score increased from baseline 41 to 50; P < 0.001), decreased psychological symptoms (Global Severity Index [GSI], 0.98-0.70; P < 0.001), reduced fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, 26-33; P < 0.001), and increased mindfulness disposition (Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, 33-38; P < 0.001). Waitlist patients had a significant but small change in Harvey-Bradshaw Index, SIBDQ, and GSI scores, without improvement in fatigue or mindfulness. There were significant correlations (0.02 > P < 0.002) in COBMINDEX patients between baseline SIBDQ, GSI, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scores with a relative change (baseline to 3 months) of the SIBDQ score, but none among waitlist patients. Predictors of relative change of the SIBDQ score in COBMINDEX patients included the GSI score (90% quantile; coefficient 0.52; P < 0.001), somatization (90%; 0.20; P = 0.001), depression (75%; 0.16; P = 0.03), and phobic anxiety (75%; 0.31; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

COBMINDEX was effective in increasing patients' quality of life and reducing psychological symptoms and fatigue. Patients with severe baseline psychological symptoms benefited the most from COBMINDEX.

The impact of disease activity on psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease-results from the Stress, Anxiety and Depression with Disease Activity (SADD) Study

BACKGROUND

Disease activity may be a risk factor for psychological illness in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

AIM

To correlate objective measures of disease activity with psychological symptoms.

METHODS

Adult patients with IBD undergoing ileocolonoscopy were prospectively recruited. Demographic, psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress), disease activity (symptoms, biomarkers, endoscopy), and quality of life (QoL) data were collected. One-way ANOVA and multivariable analyses examined the associations between disease activity and symptoms of psychological illness, and identified other predictors of mental illness and reduced QoL.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients were included, 107 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 65 with ulcerative colitis (UC). There was no significant association between objective disease activity (endoscopic scores, faecal calprotectin or C-reactive protein) and depression, anxiety or stress scores (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). Gastrointestinal symptoms were significantly associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in patients with CD and UC (P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, only gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with severe symptoms of depression (OR 20.78 [6.71-92.37], P < 0.001) and anxiety (OR 4.26 [1.70-12.25], P = 0.004). Anti-TNF and corticosteroid use, the presence of severe depressive, moderate-severe stress and gastrointestinal symptoms, and endoscopically active IBD were associated with a reduced QoL (P < 0.05). Longer duration of IBD predicted an improved QoL (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Objective measures of disease activity are not associated with symptoms of psychological illness in patients with IBD. Clinicians should consider underlying mental illness in patients with IBD with active gastrointestinal symptoms.

Promoting psycho-social wellbeing for engaging inflammatory bowel disease patients in their care: an Italian consensus statement

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are remitting and relapsing diseases that mainly interest the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is associated with a condition of psycho-social discomfort that deeply compromises the quality of life and the competence of patient to be fully engaged in their self-management. As a consequence, effective care of IBD patients should include not only medical but also psychological support in order to improve patients' wellbeing. Although this, to date there is no standardized approach to promote psychological wellbeing of IBD patients in order to improve the perception of the quality of the care. To fill this gap, a consensus conference has been organized in order to define the psychosocial needs of IBD patients and to promote their engagement in daily clinical practice. This paper describes the process implemented and illustrates the recommendations deriving from it, which focus on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in IBD management.

RESULTS

The consensus conference has been organized in three phases: (1) literature review about life experiences, engagement, and psychosocial needs of IBD patients; (2) workshops with IBD experts and patients' representatives; (3) drafting of statements and voting. Seventy-three participants were involved in the consensus conference, and sixteen statements have been voted and approved during the consensus process.

CONCLUSIONS

The main conclusion is the necessity of the early detection of - and, in case of need, intervention on- psycho-social needs of patients in order to achieve patient involvement in IBD care.

Treating anxiety and depression in inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is associated with higher rates of clinically significant anxiety and depression than in healthy populations. Psychosocial interventions targeting anxiety and depression in IBD have variable efficacy and disparate treatment approaches, making treatment recommendations difficult. The current study aimed to identify effective treatment components across psychosocial treatment approaches for anxiety and depression in IBD.

DESIGN

A systematic review of psychosocial treatments for anxiety and depression in IBD was conducted. Based on the Distillation and Matching Model, treatments were coded and data aggregated by intervention components, or practice elements (PE), to elucidate replicable clinical techniques.

MAIN OUTCOME

The percentage of studies utilizing a given PE was the primary outcome.

MEASURES

Among all included studies, as well as among those finding favorable, significant effects on anxiety or depression, the percentage utilizing each PE and number of PEs utilized was determined.

RESULTS

The most utilized PEs among included interventions were relaxation, IBD psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, distraction, and social skills. Examining only interventions with favorable differences on specified outcomes (HRQoL, Anxiety, Depression, and/or Coping) indicated that relaxation, education, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness were most utilized.

CONCLUSION

Implications for clinical practice are discussed, including the development and dissemination of treatment recommendations.

The specialized educational and psychological counseling in inflammatory bowel disease patients - a target or a challenge?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Stress, in its various forms, plays an important role in the development and evolution of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For patients with IBD, the evidence related to the effects of various types of psychological therapies remains inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate whether cognitive behavioral therapy, in combination with educational counseling, influenced disease activity and quality of life (QoL) among patients with IBD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 60 patients diagnosed with IBD. All patients completed the IBD questionnaire-32 (IBDQ-32) and the Big Five Inventory. Group A (experimental group) received specialized educational and psychological counseling (SEPC), and group B (control group) was treated according to the current medical practice. All patients were reassessed after 12 months.

RESULTS

After the SEPC, there was no improvement in disease activity as estimated by fecal calprotectin levels. However, the QoL of patients in group A was significantly improved. The highest mean difference between the initial and final IBDQ scores was found among patients whose main personality trait was openness to experience (48.58±28.80), and the lowest mean difference between these 2 scores was found among patients whose main personality trait was closedness to experience (3.33±2.97, p=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Although there was no improvement in disease activity after the SEPC, this therapy improved patients' QoL in terms of both emotional and social functions, especially among patients whose dominant personality trait was openness to experience or neuroticism.

Video assisted patient education improves compliance with follow up and depression scores in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

OBJECTIVES

Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) have to deal with a poor quality of life (QOL) and psychomorbidity resulting from an incurable illness. We aimed to study the effect of patient education on QOL, compliance, anxiety and depression in IBD.

METHODS

Patients were prospectively enrolled over two years beginning July 2014 and divided into an interventional and usual care group. Both received the standard of care, but the former in addition received an 8 min session of video-assisted education. Compliance to drugs was defined as drug intake of > 80% of the prescribed dose, and adherence to scheduled follow up visits were also compared. Self-administered questionnaires namely Short IBD questionnaire (SIBDQ), Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory (BAI, BDI-II), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to assess QOL, anxiety and depression respectively at baseline, 6 months and 1 year.

RESULTS

Of the 91 patients enrolled, 84 [92.3%; male = 66 (78.57%)] completed the follow up. Significantly more patients were compliant to follow up visits in the intervention and usual care groups respectively at 6 months (88.4% versus 65.8% respectively; p < 0.01) and 1 year (72.1% versus 46.3% respectively; p < 0.01). The median (IQR) scores for HADS-Depression over 1 year were significantly better in the interventional group than usual care (p < 0.049). The differences in SIBDQ, BDI-II, BAI, HADS-Anxiety and compliance to drug therapy between the groups did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Video assisted patient education improved compliance to follow up visits and depression scores in IBD. Further modifications in the educational video content and delivery might improve compliance to drug therapy, QOL and anxiety scores.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: 24-Month Data from a Randomised Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

There is ongoing controversy on the effectiveness of psychotherapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the few small studies, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. However, there is little research on the impact of CBT on physical outcomes in IBD and no studies on long-term effectiveness of CBT.

METHODS

The present two-arm pragmatic randomised controlled trial aimed to establish the impact of CBT on disease course after 24 months of observation. The study compared standard care plus CBT (+CBT) with standard care alone (SC). CBT was delivered over 10 weeks, face-to-face (F2F) or online (cCBT). The data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

CBT did not significantly influence disease activity as measured by disease activity indices at 24 months (Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), p = 0.92; Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI), p = 0.88) or blood parameters (C-reactive protein (CRP), p < 0.62; haemoglobin (Hb), p = 0.77; platelet, p = 0.64; white cell count (WCC), p = 0.59) nor did CBT significantly affect mental health, coping or quality of life (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, we conclude that CBT does not influence the course of IBD over 24 months. Given the high rate of attrition, particularly in the CBT group, future trials should consider a personalised approach to psychotherapy, perhaps combining online and one-to-one therapist time.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for the management of inflammatory bowel disease-fatigue with a nested qualitative element: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent and burdensome symptoms for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although fatigue increases during periods of inflammation, for some patients it persists when disease is in remission. Compared to other long-term conditions where fatigue has been extensively researched, optimal management of fatigue in patients with IBD is unknown and fatigue has rarely been the primary outcome in intervention studies. To date, interventions for the management of IBD-fatigue are sparse, have short-term effects and have not been implemented within the existing health system. There is a need to integrate current best evidence across different conditions, patient experience and clinical expertise in order to develop interventions for IBD-fatigue management that are feasible and effective. Modifying an existing intervention for patients with multiple sclerosis, this study aims to assess the feasibility and initial estimates of efficacy of a cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for the management of fatigue in patients with IBD.

METHODS

The study will be a two-arm pilot randomised controlled trial. Patients will be recruited from one outpatient IBD clinic and randomised individually to either: Group 1 (CBT manual for the management of fatigue, one 60-min session and seven 30-min telephone/Skype sessions with a therapist over an eight-week period); or Group 2 (fatigue information sheet to use without therapist help). Self-reported IBD-fatigue (Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Fatigue Scale) and IBD-quality of life (United Kingdom Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire) and self-reported disease activity will be collected at baseline, three, six and 12 months post randomisation. Illness perceptions, daytime sleepiness, anxiety and depression explanatory variables will be collected only at three months post randomisation. Clinical and sociodemographic data will be retrieved from the patients' medical notes. A nested qualitative study will evaluate patient and therapist experience, and healthcare professionals' perceptions of the intervention.

DISCUSSION

The study will provide evidence of the feasibility and initial estimates of efficacy of a CBT intervention for the management of fatigue in patients with IBD. Quantitative and qualitative findings from the study will contribute to the development and implementation of a large-scale randomised controlled trial assessing the efficacy of CBT interventions for IBD-fatigue.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN17917944 . Registered on 2 September 2016.

Modifiable Environmental Factors in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Environmental factors may influence predisposition to develop inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) or alter its natural history by modification of both the host immune response and intestinal microbial composition. The purpose of this review is to translate such evidence into clinical practice by a focus on interventional studies that have modified such environmental influences to improve disease outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several environmental influences have been identified in the recent literature including tobacco use, diet, antibiotics, vitamin D deficiency, stress, appendectomy, and oral contraceptive use. Some risk factors have similar influences on both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis while others are disease-specific or have divergent effects. Emerging epidemiologic evidence has confirmed the association of many of these factors with incident disease using prospective data. In addition, laboratory data has supported their mechanistic plausibility and relevance to intestinal inflammation.

Etiology and Treatment of Pain and Psychosocial Issues in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

There is increasing evidence that brain-gut interactions are altered during development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Understanding the relationship between the neurobiology, psychological symptoms, and social ramifications of IBD can guide comprehensive care for the whole patient. The most common psychological conditions in patients with IBD are chronic abdominal pain, anxiety, and depression. We review the evidence-based data and rates of these conditions and their respective relationship to IBD and the diagnostic approaches to identify patients with these conditions. Different treatment options for pain and psychosocial conditions are discussed, and new models of team-based IBD care are introduced. Providing the health care provider with tools to diagnose and manage psychological conditions in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is necessary for their total care and should be part of quality-improvement initiatives.

Psychological Interventions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Psychological interventions have been designed and implemented effectively in a wide range of medical conditions, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD). The psychological treatments for IBS and IBD with the strongest evidence base include: cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, and mindfulness-based therapies. The evidence for each of these therapies is reviewed here for both IBS and IBD. In general, there is a stronger and larger evidence base to support the use of psychological interventions in IBS compared with IBD. This is likely due to the high level of psychiatric comorbidity associated with IBS and the involvement of the stress-response in symptom presentation of IBS. Further research in psychosocial interventions for IBD is necessary. Finally, the importance of conceptualizing both IBS and IBD in a biopsychosocial model is discussed and several resources for accessing Clinical Health Psychology materials and referrals are provided.

Aggravation of Established Colitis in Specific Pathogen-free IL-10 Knockout Mice by Restraint Stress Is Not Mediated by Increased Colonic Permeability

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic mechanisms responsible for the undulating symptom pattern, or indeed causative agents for the development, of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] are largely unknown. Many physicians and most patients are convinced that stress affects the course of IBD. As with most factors that contribute to IBD, it is unclear whether stress merely exacerbates established disease or indeed contributes to the development of disease. We designed this study to investigate whether stress induces or aggravates colitis in interkeukin-10 knockout [IL-10 ko] mice and to determine the role of intestinal permeability in this model of stress-related colitis.

METHODS

The study was divided into two experiments depending on the age of the animals. Stress was induced by placing 5-week old disease-free mice or 8-week-old mice (IL-10ko and wild type [wt]) with mild colitis in movement restrainers for 2h twice daily for 7 days. The development of colitis was assessed clinically [weight and faecal pellet production], histologically [haematoxylin and eosin staining], and biochemically [colonic IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12p40, TNFα, and IFNγ]. Permeability was measured in Ussing chambers.

RESULTS

Faecal pellet production increased significantly in all stressed animals compared with control animals, indicating successful application of stress. Stressed 8-week old mice lost weight [p < 0.001] and stressed IL-10(-/-) mice showed a significantly increased histological score compared with non-stressed or wt mice [p < 0.001]. There was no appreciable difference in cytokine production. Stress did not alter intestinal permeability.

CONCLUSIONS

Restraint stress aggravates experimental colitis in 8-week old IL-10ko mice but cannot induce colitis in disease-free younger mice. This is not mediated by an increased intestinal permeability.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for inflammatory bowel disease patients: findings from an exploratory pilot randomised controlled trial

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition with a relapsing disease course. Managing the relapsing nature of the disease causes daily stress for IBD patients; thus, IBD patients report higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based psychological program designed to help manage depressive and stress symptoms. There has been no randomized controlled trial (RCT) testing the use of MBCT in IBD patients.

The purpose of this pilot study is to test the trial methodology and assess the feasibility of conducting a large RCT testing the effectiveness of MBCT in IBD.

Methods

The IBD patients, who were recruited from gastroenterology outpatient clinics at two Scottish NHS Boards, were randomly allocated to an MBCT intervention group (n = 22) or a wait-list control group (n = 22). The MBCT intervention consisted of 16 hours of structured group training over 8 consecutive weeks plus guided home practice and follow-up sessions. The wait-list group received a leaflet entitled ‘Staying well with IBD’. All participants completed a baseline, post-intervention and 6-month follow up assessment. The key objectives were to assess patient eligibility and recruitment/dropout rate, to calculate initial estimates of parameters to the proposed outcome measures (depression, anxiety, disease activity, dispositional mindfulness and quality of life) and to estimate sample size for a future large RCT.

Results

In total, 350 patients were assessed for eligibility. Of these, 44 eligible patients consented to participate. The recruitment rate was 15 %, with main reasons for ineligibility indicated as follows: non-response to invitation, active disease symptoms, planned surgery or incompatibility with group schedule. There was a higher than expected dropout rate of 44 %. Initial estimates of parameters to the proposed outcomes at post-intervention and follow-up showed a significant improvement of scores in the MBCT group when compared to the control for depression, trait anxiety and dispositional mindfulness. The sample-size calculation was guided by estimates of clinically important effects in depression scores.

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that a multicentre randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of MBCT for IBD patients is feasible with some changes to the protocol. Improvement in depression, trait anxiety and dispositional mindfulness scores are promising when coupled with patients reporting a perceived improvement of their quality of life.

Trial registration

ISRCTN27934462. 2 August 2013.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0909-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hypnotherapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Across the Lifespan

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by lifelong relapsing gastrointestinal symptoms and associated with high rates of chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. In this review the author covers the existing literature including randomized controlled studies, open trials, and case reports as well as expert opinion in evaluating how hypnotherapy can be most beneficial in adolescents and adults with IBD. Hypnotherapy evidence for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is also reviewed as many of the gut-focused hypnotherapy (GHT) approaches used in IBD trials were developed for this latter population. Collectively, the strongest evidence of use of hypnotherapy is its association with reduced IBD-related inflammation and improved health-related quality of life with mixed results in terms of its effects on psychological and pain outcomes in adults with IBD. Studies of hypnotherapy for FGID symptoms show consistently more positive results. Post-operative hypnotherapy may also be helpful based on findings in other surgical samples. Adolescents with IBD have not been as systematically studied but small case series support the use of hypnotherapy to improve inflammation and pain. Future studies are needed to better delineate the specific brain-gut pathways which are most influenced by hypnotherapy in the IBD population and to investigate the longer-term course of the positive short-term findings.

Epidemiology and risk factors for IBD

IBD, comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic immunologically mediated disease at the intersection of complex interactions between genetics, environment and gut microbiota. Established high-prevalence populations of IBD in North America and Europe experienced the steepest increase in incidence towards the second half of the twentieth century. Furthermore, populations previously considered 'low risk' (such as in Japan and India) are witnessing an increase in incidence. Potentially relevant environmental influences span the spectrum of life from mode of childbirth and early-life exposures (including breastfeeding and antibiotic exposure in infancy) to exposures later on in adulthood (including smoking, major life stressors, diet and lifestyle). Data support an association between smoking and Crohn's disease whereas smoking cessation, but not current smoking, is associated with an increased risk of ulcerative colitis. Dietary fibre (particularly fruits and vegetables), saturated fats, depression and impaired sleep, and low vitamin D levels have all been associated with incident IBD. Interventional studies assessing the effects of modifying these risk factors on natural history and patient outcomes are an important unmet need. In this Review, the changing epidemiology of IBD, mechanisms behind various environmental associations and interventional studies to modify risk factors and disease course are discussed.

Mindfulness-based therapy for inflammatory bowel disease patients with functional abdominal symptoms or high perceived stress levels

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Psychological interventions are used in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but there is uncertainty about who the optimal target population is. Multi-convergent therapy (MCT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines mindfulness meditation with aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy and has been used in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of MCT in the management of IBD patients with either functional abdominal symptoms or high perceived stress levels.

METHODS

Sixty-six IBD patients in clinical remission with either IBS-type symptoms or high perceived stress levels were randomly allocated to a 16-week MCT course or waiting list control group. Patients were followed-up for one year with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) as the primary outcome measurement.

RESULTS

A higher mean IBDQ score was observed in the active group compared to controls at the 4-month assessment (167 vs. 156, p=0.081), but this was not statistically significant nor did it reached the predefined clinically significant difference of 20. In patients with IBS-type symptoms at baseline there was a significantly higher mean IBDQ score in the active group compared to controls (161 vs. 145, p=0.021). There was no difference between groups in relapse rate based on faecal calprotectin measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

IBS-type symptoms in patients with IBD represent a potential therapeutic target to improve quality of life. This study suggests that MCT may be useful in the management of these symptoms but larger studies are required to confirm this.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01426568.

The role of hypnotherapy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic disorders of unknown aetiology which are characterized by episodes of exacerbations and remissions. There is evidence that perceived distress contributes to IBD symptom flares; anxiety and depression are frequently found in patients with the active disease. Because there is no cure, treatment has to focus on prevention of complications, induction/maintenance of remission and improvement of quality of life. Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHT) has been used successfully in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Few experimental studies and case reports have been published for IBD; GHT increases the health-related quality of life and reduces symptoms. Additionally, GHT seems to have an immune-modulating effect and is able to augment clinical remission in patients with quiescent ulcerative colitis.

Preferences of inflammatory bowel disease patients for computerised versus face-to-face psychological interventions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Psychological interventions can be effective treatments for patients with medical illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, there are barriers to their widespread implementation such as lack of therapists, high costs, stigma, and poor accessibility in remote areas. Computerised psychological interventions can overcome these barriers. The aim of this study was to measure and compare the preferences of IBD patients for computerised versus face-to-face psychological interventions.

METHODS

One hundred and two IBD patients were given a support willingness questionnaire which measured their willingness and confidence to participate in computerised and face-to-face psychological interventions as well as the number of sessions they would be willing to participate in.

RESULTS

IBD patients were more likely to want to take part in a computer based than face-to-face intervention (45.5% versus 16.8%, p=0.045). Furthermore, IBD patients were willing to participate in more sessions of computerised than face-to-face intervention median (5 vs. 3.5, Z=3.93, p<0.001). Younger females had a significantly higher acceptability of a computerised intervention than older females (χ(2)(1)=6.77, p=0.009) but the same was not found for males. Duration of disease was not associated with willingness to participate in an intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

IBD patients appear more willing to participate in a computerised than face-to face psychological intervention. Future studies should attempt to study the effectiveness of computerised psychological interventions in IBD.

Psychotherapy for inflammatory bowel disease: a review and update

BACKGROUND

Psychotherapy may be a useful intervention for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. We systematically reviewed all randomized controlled trials that have been performed in psychotherapy for inflammatory bowel disease patients.

METHODS

Systematic searches were undertaken on 1 and 8 March, 2012 of studies of psychotherapy for IBD.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (19 papers) were included in this review. Psychotherapy was found to have minimal effect on measures of anxiety, depression, QOL and disease progression although shows promise in reducing pain, fatigue, relapse rate and hospitalisation, and improving medication adherence. It may also be cost effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of psychotherapy on IBD is mixed: future studies should determine whether patient screening or measuring different dependent variables improves outcomes and whether particular psychotherapies are superior over others.

Factors associated with thiopurine non-adherence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Medication non-adherence seems to be a particular problem in younger patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and has a negative impact on disease outcome.

AIMS

To assess whether non-adherence, defined using thiopurine metabolite levels, is more common in young adults attending a transition clinic than adults with IBD and whether psychological co-morbidity is a contributing factor. We also determined the usefulness of the Modified Morisky 8-item Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) to detect non-adherence.

METHODS

Seventy young adults [51% (36) male] and 74 [62% (46) male] adults were included. Psychological co-morbidity was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) and self-reported adherence using the MMAS-8.

RESULTS

Twelve percent (18/144) of the patients were non-adherent. Multivariate analysis [OR, (95% CI), P value] confirmed that being young adult [6.1 (1.7-22.5), 0.001], of lower socio-economic status [1.1 (1.0-1.1), <0.01] and reporting higher HADS-D scores [1.2 (1.0-1.4), 0.01] were associated with non-adherence. Receiver operator curve analysis of MMAS-8 scores gave an area under the curve (95% CI) of 0.85 (0.77-0.92), (P < 0.0001): using a cut-off of <6, the MMAS-8 score has a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 64% to predict thiopurine non-adherence. Non-adherence was associated with escalation in therapy, hospital admission and surgeries in the subsequent 6 months of follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-adherence to thiopurines is more common in young adults with inflammatory bowel disease, and is associated with lower socio-economic status and depression. The high negative predictive value of MMAS-8 scores <6 suggests that it could be a useful screen for thiopurine non-adherence.

Psychological factors and stress in inflammatory bowel disease

The role of psychological distress and personality as predisposing factors for the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains controversial. Attempts to investigate the role of psychological factors in IBD exhibited rather conflicting results. Among the studies concerning the effects of stress or depression on the course of IBD, the majority suggest that stress worsened IBD, the rest giving either negative or inconclusive results. However, application of strategies, including avoidance of coping and training patients in problem solving or emotion-oriented, could influence the course of IBD. Large controlled clinical trials are needed in order to clarify the impact of psychological interventions on the quality of life and the course of disease.

Psychiatric co-morbidity is associated with increased risk of surgery in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric co-morbidity, in particular major depression and anxiety, is common in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Prior studies examining this may be confounded by the co-existence of functional bowel symptoms. Limited data exist examining an association between depression or anxiety and disease-specific endpoints such as bowel surgery.

AIMS

To examine the frequency of depression and anxiety (prior to surgery or hospitalisation) in a large multi-institution electronic medical record (EMR)-based cohort of CD and UC patients; to define the independent effect of psychiatric co-morbidity on risk of subsequent surgery or hospitalisation in CD and UC, and to identify the effects of depression and anxiety on healthcare utilisation in our cohort.

METHODS

Using a multi-institution cohort of patients with CD and UC, we identified those who also had co-existing psychiatric co-morbidity (major depressive disorder or generalised anxiety). After excluding those diagnosed with such co-morbidity for the first time following surgery, we used multivariate logistic regression to examine the independent effect of psychiatric co-morbidity on IBD-related surgery and hospitalisation. To account for confounding by disease severity, we adjusted for a propensity score estimating likelihood of psychiatric co-morbidity influenced by severity of disease in our models.

RESULTS

A total of 5405 CD and 5429 UC patients were included in this study; one-fifth had either major depressive disorder or generalised anxiety. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for potential confounders and the propensity score, presence of mood or anxiety co-morbidity was associated with a 28% increase in risk of surgery in CD (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.03-1.57), but not UC (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.80-1.28). Psychiatric co-morbidity was associated with increased healthcare utilisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive disorder or generalised anxiety is associated with a modestly increased risk of surgery in patients with Crohn's disease. Interventions addressing this may improve patient outcomes.

Mood disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: relation to diagnosis, disease activity, perceived stress, and other factors

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the factors associated with mood disorders in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are poorly defined.

METHODS

In all, 103 patients with UC, 101 with CD, and 124 healthy controls completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Disease activity was defined both from symptom scores and in UC endoscopically, and in CD by fecal calprotectin and/or serum C-reactive protein. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression.

RESULTS

In both UC and CD, anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) scores were higher than in controls (HADS-A: 8.5 ± 4.1 [mean ± SD], 8.6 ± 3.9, 3.2 ± 1.8, P < 0.001; and HADS-D: 4.1 ± 3.3, 4.7 ± 3.3, 1.7 ± 1.4, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety and depression in UC and CD. In UC, anxiety scores were associated with perceived stress and a new diagnosis of IBD; depression was associated with stress, inpatient status, and active disease. In CD, anxiety was associated with perceived stress, abdominal pain, and lower socioeconomic status, and depression with perceived stress and increasing age.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety and depression are common in IBD. Perceived stress is associated with mood disturbances in both UC and CD, but the other associated factors differ in the two diseases. Gastroenterologists should look for mood disorders in IBD and consider stress management and psychotherapy in affected patients.

Providing holistic support for patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are life-long, complex conditions. They are characterised by periods of exacerbation and remission and surgical intervention may be required in severe cases. Drugs employed in the management of IBD are used to induce remission and maintain remission. IBD has a physical, psychological and sociological impact on individuals and IBD quality standards have been developed to provide a framework for addressing the services and care that should be available for them. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies play an important role in the holistic approach to management of IBD as they are being increasingly used alongside conventional medical treatments. Community nurses have an important role to play in the management and care of individuals with IBD and in supporting them in making informed and appropriate choices that support their wellbeing and quality of life.

Modeling autism: a systems biology approach

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the world today. The prevalence of autism in the US has risen from 1 in 2500 in 1970 to 1 in 88 children today. People with autism present with repetitive movements and with social and communication impairments. These impairments can range from mild to profound. The estimated total lifetime societal cost of caring for one individual with autism is $3.2 million US dollars. With the rapid growth in this disorder and the great expense of caring for those with autism, it is imperative for both individuals and society that techniques be developed to model and understand autism. There is increasing evidence that those individuals diagnosed with autism present with highly diverse set of abnormalities affecting multiple systems of the body. To this date, little to no work has been done using a whole body systems biology approach to model the characteristics of this disorder. Identification and modelling of these systems might lead to new and improved treatment protocols, better diagnosis and treatment of the affected systems, which might lead to improved quality of life by themselves, and, in addition, might also help the core symptoms of autism due to the potential interconnections between the brain and nervous system with all these other systems being modeled. This paper first reviews research which shows that autism impacts many systems in the body, including the metabolic, mitochondrial, immunological, gastrointestinal and the neurological. These systems interact in complex and highly interdependent ways. Many of these disturbances have effects in most of the systems of the body. In particular, clinical evidence exists for increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune and mitochondrial dysfunction which can affect almost every cell in the body. Three promising research areas are discussed, hierarchical, subgroup analysis and modeling over time. This paper reviews some of the systems disturbed in autism and suggests several systems biology research areas. Autism poses a rich test bed for systems biology modeling techniques.

Do antidepressants influence the disease course in inflammatory bowel disease? A retrospective case-matched observational study

BACKGROUND

Depression, like adverse events and psychological stress, can trigger relapse in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the effects of psychoactive drugs on disease course are unclear.

METHODS

Using retrospective electronic case note review, after exclusion of five patients on low-dose tricyclic antidepressants we compared the course of IBD in 29 patients (14 ulcerative colitis and 15 Crohn's disease), during the years before (year 1) and after (year 2) they were started on an antidepressant for a concomitant mood disorder to that of controls matched for age, sex, disease type, medication at baseline, and relapse rate in year 1.

RESULTS

Patients had fewer relapses and courses of steroids in the year after starting an antidepressant than in the year before (1 [0-4] (median [range]) vs. 0 [0-4], P = 0.002; 1 [0-3] vs. 0 [0-4], P < 0.001, respectively); the controls showed no changes between years 1 and 2 in relapses (1 [0-4] vs. 1 [0-3], respectively) or courses of steroids (1 [0-2] vs. 0 [0-3]). Although there were no differences in the use of other relapse-related medications, outpatient attendances, or hospital admissions, the number of endoscopies fell significantly in the antidepressant group in year 2 compared with year 1 (P < 0.01). No such changes were seen in the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Antidepressants, when used to treat concomitant mood disorders in IBD, seem to reduce relapse rates, use of steroids, and endoscopies in the year after their introduction. These results suggest the need for a prospective controlled trial to evaluate their effects on disease course in patients with IBD.

Adolescents with IBD: the importance of structured transition care

Children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tend to have more extensive and severe disease than adults. IBD presenting in childhood interferes with growth, education and employment as well as psychosocial and sexual development, frequently delaying adolescent developmental milestones. Transition, in the context of healthcare, is the purposeful, planned movement of adolescents and young adults with chronic physical and medical conditions to adult-orientated healthcare systems. Although no single model has been widely adopted and despite a paucity of data, recent guidelines from Europe and the USA propose the formation of specialist transition clinics for adolescent patients with IBD. In order to develop a successful transition service, the barriers that arise because of differences between paediatric and adult IBD services need to be identified. In this article, we review the concept of transitional care for adolescents with IBD, highlighting the important differences in not only, paediatric and adult IBD, but also paediatric and adult IBD services. We consider the consequences of failed transition, and describe the limited published data reporting different approaches to transition in IBD, before outlining our own approach.

Is metabolic stress a common denominator in inflammatory bowel disease?

The enteric epithelium represents the major boundary between the outside world and the body, and in the colon it is the interface between the host and a vast and diverse microbiota. A common feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is decreased epithelial barrier function, and while a cause-and-effect relationship can be debated, prolonged loss of epithelial barrier function (whether this means the ability to sense bacteria or exclude them) would contribute to inflammation. While there are undoubtedly individual nuances in IBD, we review data in support of metabolic stress--that is, perturbed mitochondrial function--in the enterocyte as a contributing factor to the initiation of inflammation and relapses in IBD. The postulate is presented that metabolic stress, which can arise as a consequence of a variety of stimuli (e.g., infection, bacterial dysbiosis, and inflammation also), will reduce epithelial barrier function and perturb the enterocyte-commensal flora relationship and suggest that means to negate enterocytic metabolic stress should be considered as a prophylactic or adjuvant therapy in IBD.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for children with comorbid physical illness

In addition to the usual developmental challenges, children and adolescents with chronic physical illness face psychosocial challenges that affect their quality of life. This review describes different aspects of coping with chronic physical illness in childhood and the empirical evidence examining the usefulness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of children and adolescents with chronic physical illnesses and related psychological comorbidities. Four diseases (diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and sickle cell disease) were chosen as model illnesses to demonstrate key CBT findings in more detail. Future research recommendations in this challenging population are also addressed.

Psychological interventions for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

The effect of psychological interventions in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of psychological interventions (psychotherapy, patient education, relaxation techniques) on health related quality of life, coping, emotional state and disease activity in IBD.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the specialized register of the IBD/FBD Group, CENTRAL (Issue 5, 2010) and from inception to April 2010: Medline, Embase, LILACS, Psyndex, CINAHL, PsyInfo, CCMed, SOMED and Social SciSearch. Conference abstracts and reference lists were also checked.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized, quasi-randomized and non randomized controlled trials of psychological interventions in children or adults with IBD with a minimum follow up time of 2 months.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted and study quality was independently assessed by two raters. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were eligible for inclusion (1745 participants, 8 RCT, 4 QRCT, 8 NRCT; 19 in adults, 2 in adolescents). Most studies used multimodular approaches. The risk of bias was high for all studies.In adults, psychotherapy had no effect on quality of life at around 12 months (3 studies, 235 patients, SMD -0.07; 95% CI -0.33 to 0.19), emotional status (depression, 4 studies, 266 patients, SMD 0.03; 95% CI -0.22 to 0.27) or proportion of patients not in remission (5 studies, 287 patients, OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.48). Results were similar at 3 to 8 months. There was no evidence for statistical heterogeneity or subgroup effects based on type of disease or intensity of the therapy. In adolescents, there were positive short term effects of psychotherapy on most outcomes assessed including quality of life (2 studies, 71 patients, SMD 0.70; 95% CI 0.21 to 1.18) and depression (1 study, 41 patients, SMD -0.62; 95% CI -1.25 to 0.01).Educational interventions were ineffective with respect to quality of life at 12 months (5 studies, 947 patients, SMD 0.11; 95% CI -0.02 to 0.24), depression (3 studies, 378 patients, SMD -0.08; 95% CI -0.29 to 0.12) and proportion of patients not in remission (3 studies, 434 patients, OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.65 to 1.53).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence for efficacy of psychological therapy in adult patients with IBD in general. In adolescents, psychological interventions may be beneficial, but the evidence is limited. Further evidence is needed to assess the efficacy of these therapies in subgroups identified as being in need of psychological interventions, and to identify what type of therapy maybe most useful.