WORKSHOP: Virtual Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Feasibility Trial Results Including ACE Scores and Inflammatory Markers

Evaluate the session

Presenting Author(s): Ms. Kaitlyn Chappell, BSc, Dr. Melanie Marsh-Joyal, BSc (Hons), MD, FRCPC, Dr. Diana Meakins, BMSc, MD, FRCPC

Co-Author(s): Karen Goodman, BA, MPH, PhD; Jean-Michel Le Melledo, MD; Karen Kroeker, BSc, MSc, MD, FRCPC

Date and time: 25 Mar 2023 from 14:15 to 14:35

Location: Hawthorn A  

Learning Objectives

1. Recognize co-morbidity of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with anxiety and depression;
2. Describe Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) as a therapeutic intervention;
3. Discuss study outcomes and potential future applications.

Abstract

Background: Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) often experience anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been associated with reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression in several high-quality randomized control trials. Virtual care reduces cost and travel requirements, both which have been identified as barriers to accessing treatment.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of online-delivered MBSR for IBD patients with co-morbid anxiety and depression, with feasibility outcomes defined as recruitment success, and attendance, adherence, and attrition of participating patients. Secondary outcomes targeted to assess the effectiveness of the program included measure of stress and anxiety scores, mindfulness, self-compassion, and quality of life.

Method: Following screening, adult IBD patients who self-identified as being anxious or depressed were enrolled in a standard 8-week MBSR group-based intervention. Result(s): Participants completing the program attended an average of 7.6 of 8 sessions and practiced for an average of 21.6 minutes daily (range: 10-30), had higher Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores (average 3.3) than all of those that started (average 2.0), and also had a higher PHQ-SADS score (11.86) than all those that started (11.3) and saw an average decrease of approximately 4 points. Other secondary outcomes revealed an increase of quality of life, an increase in- self compassion, and a decrease in perceived mindfulness traits.

Conclusions: Although interest in MBSR was relatively high, the time commitment was a reported barrier. Those that completed the program saw a decrease in stress and anxiety scores as well as an increase in quality of life and self-compassion.

Literature References

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