New research has revealed that mood interventions, such as psychotherapy and antidepressants, could play a significant role in reducing inflammation for individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study, conducted by researchers at an esteemed institution, found that these interventions led to an 18% decrease in inflammatory biomarkers in people with IBD.
IBD encompasses autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which involve chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of IBD include bloody stools, diarrhoea, fatigue, pain, and weight loss. Current treatment options for IBD involve medications, surgery, and various diet and lifestyle changes. However, the recent research suggests that mood interventions could provide a cost-effective alternative to these treatments.
The study involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials, encompassing more than 1,700 individuals with IBD who received some form of mood intervention. The interventions examined included psychotherapy, antidepressants, and exercise. The researchers found that psychotherapy outperformed antidepressants and exercise in reducing inflammation. Specifically, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction were identified as the most effective forms of psychotherapy.
The analysis also revealed a positive correlation between improvements in mood and reductions in inflammatory biomarkers. This suggests that treatments targeting mood may not only alleviate inflammation in IBD but also have broader implications for inflammation in general.
The connection between mood and inflammation lies in the intricate relationship between the gut and the brain. According to a pain psychologist, our minds and bodies are interconnected, influencing each other. The way we perceive and react to situations, as well as our behaviours, can impact our body’s reactions and overall experience. In the case of IBD, there is a bidirectional gut-brain connection, with a network of neural connections between the gut and the brain. This connection means that the gut can affect our mood, and vice versa, explaining why stress can often lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
The psychologist further explained that stress-induced changes in the immune system can affect levels of inflammatory markers, consequently leading to heightened inflammation. Additionally, stress can divert resources away from the gut during times of perceived threat, impacting gut health. Experts emphasised that stress, whether real or perceived, can disrupt the gut lining and contribute to gut inflammation and conditions like IBD.
The findings of this study have significant implications for the management of inflammatory conditions like IBD. Mood interventions, particularly psychotherapy, could serve as valuable tools in reducing inflammation and disease progression. Even if the impact on inflammation is only moderate, these interventions can have a positive effect on an individual’s outlook on their health and overall quality of life.
One of the key advantages of mood interventions, as highlighted by the study authors, is their potential cost-effectiveness compared to IBD medications. Whilst IBD medications can be expensive, mood interventions, such as psychotherapy, tend to be relatively affordable. This affordability, coupled with their potential efficacy, could make mood interventions a more accessible and viable alternative for individuals with IBD.
The research also opens up avenues for exploring the impact of mindfulness practices like meditation on inflammation reduction and disease management. By focusing on improving mood and mental health, practitioners may be able to significantly reduce inflammatory biomarkers and improve overall well-being.
The recent research suggests that mood interventions, including psychotherapy, antidepressants, and exercise, could help reduce inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. The study highlights the bidirectional relationship between the gut and the brain, emphasising the impact of mood on inflammation. These findings have the potential to revolutionise the treatment of inflammatory conditions like IBD, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional medications. By addressing mood and mental health, individuals with IBD can potentially experience improved outcomes and a better quality of life.
