Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Mindfulness-based interventions may be beneficial psychosocial treatments for improving the health and well-being of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This article reviews eight studies, assessing seven psychosocial interventions, which include mindfulness and/or meditation components. Strongest effects of the interventions were found in quality of life and anxiety/depression, with inconsistent or minimal changes in other psychosocial areas, such as perceived stress and in disease-related outcomes and other physiologic functioning. Mindfulness interventions for patients with inflammatory bowel disease may be a supplemental treatment option to improve quality of life and distress in this population, although results are preliminary and interventions require additional testing.

Keywords: Crohn’s disease; IBD; Mindfulness; Ulcerative colitis; Yoga.