A one year follow-up of relaxation response meditation as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome

Behav Res Ther. 2002 May;40(5):541-6. doi: 10.1016/s0005-7967(01)00065-1.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Diseases, Functional / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meditation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Relaxation Therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome