Review Article
Question: How well do psychological therapies work to improve the lives of those who have IBD?
Design/Method: This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing psychological therapy with control interventions or treatment as usual in individuals with IBD aged 16 years or older. Data was pooled to estimate relative risks and standardised mean differences. Trials were analyzed by mode of therapy, selected groups, and heterogeneity using the I² statistic. The study assessed bias at the study level and funnel plots using the Egger test
Setting: The United Kingdom
Patients/ Study community: Patients with IBD
Results: Psychological therapy can have short-term benefits, such as reducing anxiety, depression, and stress and improving quality of life in individuals with quiescent IBD. However, its effects on disease remission, disease relapse, and disease activity indices are limited. There are also concerns about publication bias in the relapse data, indicating the need for further research in this area
Commentary: The study found psychological therapies can improve psychological well-being in quiescent IBD patients, but did not significantly impact disease activity or relapse prevention. Further research is needed to identify suitable patient populations. The review emphasizes the potential benefits of psychological therapies in treating IBD, but also highlights the complexity of managing the condition and the need for tailored approaches
Citation: Riggott C, Mikocka-Walus A, J Gracie D, C Ford A. Efficacy of psychological therapies in people with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2023; 8: 919–31
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-1253(23)00186-3
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(23)00186-3/fulltext
