Comparison of the Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness Based Therapy on the Decrease in Symptoms of Patients who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Background:

The current research is performed to compare the effectiveness of two methods of cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness based therapy in decreasing symptoms of patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

This was a quasi-experimental design study that consisted of an experimental group subdivided into two groups (pre- and final test) and a control group. Based on convenience sampling we randomly assigned 36 persons, 20 males and 16 females, n=12 per group, μ=32 years of age, to one of the three groups.

Results:

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms significantly decreased between the two treatment groups and the control group (p˂0.05), which we attributed to the benefits of mindfulness based therapy.

Conclusion:

Therapists should consider modern psychotherapy techniques such as mindfulness based therapy as potential methods for decreasing the clinical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Older techniques are not always perfect or effective.