A one year follow-up of relaxation response meditation as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.
Ten of thirteen original participants with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) participated in a one year follow-up study to determine whether the effects of Relaxation Response Meditation (RRM) on IBS symptom reduction were maintained over the long-term. From pre-treatment to one-year follow-up, significant reductions were noted for the symptoms of abdominal pain (p = 0.017), diarrhea (p = 0.045), flatulence (p = 0.030), and bloating (p = 0.018). When we examined changes from the original three month follow-up point to the one year follow-up, we noted significant additional reductions in pain (p = 0.03) and bloating (p = 0.04), which tended to be the most distressing symptoms of IBS. It appears that: (1) continued use of meditation is particularly effective in reducing the symptoms of pain and bloating; and (2) RRM is a beneficial treatment for IBS in the both short- and the long-term.
Keefer
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L
Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders, University at Albany, State University of New York, 12203, USA. lannekeefer@aol.com
Blanchard
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EB
D003109:Colonic Diseases, Functional / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019122:Meditation; D008875:Middle Aged; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome