Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Quality of Life of Patients with Crohn Disease

Ganit Goren, Doron Schwartz, Michael Friger, Hagar Banai, Ruslan Sergienko, Shirley Regev, Heba Abu-Kaf, Dan Greenberg, Anna Nemirovsky, Karny Ilan, Livnat Lerner, Alon Monsonego, Iris Dotan, Henit Yanai, Rami Eliakim, Shomron Ben Horin, Vered Slonim-Nevo, Shmuel Odes, Orly Sarid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Patients with Crohn disease have debilitating psychological symptoms, mental fatigue, and poor quality of life. Psychological intervention may improve these symptoms. Methods: We performed a randomized parallel-group physician-blinded trial of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based stress reduction (COBMINDEX) on quality of life and psychological symptoms in adults with mild-moderate Crohn disease. COBMINDEX was taught by social workers in one-on-one video conferences over 3 months; quotidian home practice was mandated. Results: Fifty-five COBMINDEX and 61 waitlist control patients completed the study; mean age was 33 years and 65% of participants were women. At 3 months, COBMINDEX patients had significantly reduced disease activity (per Harvey-Bradshaw Index score, C-reactive protein level, and calprotectin level), increased quality of life (Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [SIBDQ] score increased from baseline 41 to 50; P < 0.001), decreased psychological symptoms (Global Severity Index [GSI], 0.98-0.70; P < 0.001), reduced fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, 26-33; P < 0.001), and increased mindfulness disposition (Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, 33-38; P < 0.001). Waitlist patients had a significant but small change in Harvey-Bradshaw Index, SIBDQ, and GSI scores, without improvement in fatigue or mindfulness. There were significant correlations (0.02 > P < 0.002) in COBMINDEX patients between baseline SIBDQ, GSI, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scores with a relative change (baseline to 3 months) of the SIBDQ score, but none among waitlist patients. Predictors of relative change of the SIBDQ score in COBMINDEX patients included the GSI score (90% quantile; coefficient 0.52; P < 0.001), somatization (90%; 0.20; P = 0.001), depression (75%; 0.16; P = 0.03), and phobic anxiety (75%; 0.31; P = 0.008). Conclusions: COBMINDEX was effective in increasing patients' quality of life and reducing psychological symptoms and fatigue. Patients with severe baseline psychological symptoms benefited the most from COBMINDEX.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)393-408
Number of pages16
JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Mar 2022

Keywords

  • depression
  • fatigue
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • psychological intervention
  • somatization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Gastroenterology

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