Effects of guided imagery with relaxation training on anxiety and quality of life among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) impacts quality of life (QoL). Psychological factors influence the course of the disease and should be targeted for intervention.


METHODS
Our study was a prospective, randomised control trial. Fifty-six outpatients were randomly chosen and allocated to a treatment group or a waiting-list control group. Treatment group patients attended three relaxation-training sessions and received an audio disc for home practice. Evaluations performed pre and post-treatment: state anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, QoL with the IBD Questionnaire. The Visual Analogue Scale assessed pain, depression, stress and mood. Patients completed a symptom monitoring diary. The control group's symptoms were monitored without study-related treatment.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine subjects completed the study and were included in the data analysis. Following the relaxation-training intervention, the treatment group's (n = 18) measured results showed a statistically significant improvement as compared to the control group (n = 21) (time by treatment interaction): anxiety levels decreased (p < 0.01), QoL and mood improved (p < 0.05), while levels of pain and stress decreased (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate IBD patients may benefit from relaxation training in their holistic care. New studies as well as further investigation of the subject are warranted.
Department of Gastroenterology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Digestive Disease Institute, Affiliated with the Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel.
Maya C
MC
Mizrahi
Rebecca
R
Reicher-Atir
Sigal
S
Levy
Sara
S
Haramati
Dov
D
Wengrower
Eran
E
Israeli
Eran
E
Goldin
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012064:Relaxation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult