Evaluation of the association between medical therapy and autogenic training in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of autogenic training in combination with medical therapy in patients with IBS and in particular on anxiety, depression, insomnia and associated quality of life. METHODS: Sixty patients with IBS were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups of 30 (group A and group B), underwent a battery of tests (IBS-QOL, Zung Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale, BDI, ISI) at 0 times and at the end of treatment at 8 weeks. Group A was treated with conventional medical therapy, group B in combination with medical therapy performed TA sessions (T1). RESULTS: The results obtained from the administration of the tests at time 0 in both groups demonstrated, in all patients, a close correlation between IBS and anxiety, depression, poor quality of sleep and perceived life. CONCLUSIONS: The collection of post-treatment data, after 8 weeks, showed in group B how the autogenic training technique is a valid tool against IBS-related symptoms and disorders. In particular, there was a marked improvement in quality of life and lower levels of post-treatment anxiety and depression.