A new study reveals that therapy aimed at improving mood through conversation can alleviate the distress of individuals suffering from infections in the intestines, such as Crohn's disease or colitis.
Researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College London found in their study that mood-enhancing therapy can reduce inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, by up to 18%.
IBD is a condition that can cause symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. According to the researchers, the results of the study highlight the potential of mood-focused therapy to enhance the treatment of individuals with IBD in mental health.
According to the Charities Coronas and Colitis UK, one in 123 individuals is affected by this condition.
The research team examined studies measuring levels of C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin (indicators specific to IBD) in 28 experiments, involving a total of 1789 patients.
The findings of the study indicate that therapy targeting mental health positively contributed to reducing inflammation in intestinal diseases.