Mindfulness-Based Therapy Can Decrease Markers of Inflammation among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Mindfulness-based interventions have shown some efficacy in decreasing stress levels and improving quality of life for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). To determine whether inflammation is also affected, this study evaluated the impact of an eight-session mindfulness program, half delivered in person and half internet-based, on three laboratory measures of inflammation (fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and hair cortisol). A total of 37 patients were randomized to the mindfulness program and 20 to usual treatment. There were significant decreases in fecal calprotectin and in C-reactive protein levels in the mindfulness-based intervention group compared to the standard medical therapy group at six-month follow-up with moderate to large effect sizes. The authors concluded that mindfulness-based therapy administered as part of standard clinical practice can improve markers of inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Gonzalez-Moret R, et al. Scientific Reports 2020;10:6071.
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