[Protocolized cognitive-behavioural group therapy for inflammatory bowel disease]

Abstract

Introduction: patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease have a high rate of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Objective: the main goal of this study was to design, to put into practice, and to validate a protocolized psychological treatment program based on the coping model, and a psycho-educational methodology in which the following intervention modules were included- illness information, coping model, problem solving techniques, relaxation, social skill training, distraction, and cognitive restructuring techniques. All these techniques were adapted to the characteristic features of inflammatory bowel disease.

Method: the sample included 57 patients with inflammatory bowel disease from the Spanish Crohn s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Association. The sample was randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups -33 were assigned to the treatment group, and 24 were assigned to the waiting list control group.

Results: the results reflected a significant clinical and statistical improvement in anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001) variables when compared to the waiting list control group. Likewise, improvement was sustained at 3, 6, and 12 months during follow-up.

Conclusion: the protocolized psychological treatment program, administered in group sessions, is effective in reducing emotional symptoms arising as a result of inflammatory bowel disease.