Ito, M., & Muto, T. (2020). Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for irritable bowel syndrome non-patients: A pilot randomized waiting list controlled trial. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 15, 85-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2019.11.009
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional disorders, and an intervention targeting IBS non-patients (with symptoms and undiagnosed) is needed. This study examined the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in IBS non-patients. A total of 26 non-patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 14) or a waiting list group (n = 12). Self-reported IBS symptom severity, quality of life, psychological distress (anxiety and depression), and psychological flexibility were assessed at three time points. The intervention group completed an ACT program consisting of a one-day group session and a two-month self-help program. This program reduced depressive mood but not symptom severity. These results suggest that this ACT program is insufficient for IBS non-patients and the intervention needs further modification.
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