Source: International Journal of Psychiatry Medicine
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that physicians treat. Psychosocial factors are an important part of fully understanding irritable bowel syndrome, playing a vital role in the development, precipitation and perpetuation of IBS. Though less than half of IBS patients seek medical attention, there is an increased frequency of psychiatric diagnoses among those who do. Improvement in the clinical outcome does occur when psychosocial factors are addressed in the assessment and management of IBS patients. Psychosocial factors do not cause IBS symptoms, they do influence the patients response to IBS. The presence of psychosocial disorder is an indicator for the likelihood that the patient will seek medical attention for IBS as well as other medical conditions. People with IBS could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy by learning how to work with their emotions, behaviors and cognitions thereby relieving IBS symptoms. Anxiety and depression seem to be prevalent in patients with IBS and medical attention should be given to these two conditions.
St. John's wort is a common perennial flowering plant that has received attention for its potential ability to treat mild to moderate depression. It has been used extensively by physicians in Europe as the agent of choice for mild or moderate depression. With approximately 18 million Americans experiencing depression in a given year from a variety of causes, St. John's wort is attracting attention as a safe and natural alternative to current prescription therapies. St. John's wort may amplify the effects of serotonin in the brain. It also contains the chemical melatonin, which has been researched for its effects on mood, anxiety and stress.
A study was performed to assess the effectiveness of St. John’s wort on relieving abnormal psychological behaviors in women with irritable bowel syndrome. The study involved thirty women with IBS and 20 healthy women. At baseline, the Heart rate variability (HRV) spectral analysis was assessed at a stress or resting period. Also, the Hamilton Depression Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale were used to measure the women’s rate of anxiety and depression. After 8 weeks, the tests were repeated and the results were the group administered St. John’s wort experienced a significant decrease in stress, anxiety and depression. Also, gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS were significantly reduced. In conclusion, St. John’s wort improved psychological behavior and autonomic nervous system (ANS) response to stress in patients with IBS.1
1 Wan H, Chen Y. Effects of antidepressive treatment of Saint John's wort extract related to autonomic nervous function in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2010;40(1):45-56.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that physicians treat. Psychosocial factors are an important part of fully understanding irritable bowel syndrome, playing a vital role in the development, precipitation and perpetuation of IBS. Though less than half of IBS patients seek medical attention, there is an increased frequency of psychiatric diagnoses among those who do. Improvement in the clinical outcome does occur when psychosocial factors are addressed in the assessment and management of IBS patients. Psychosocial factors do not cause IBS symptoms, they do influence the patients response to IBS. The presence of psychosocial disorder is an indicator for the likelihood that the patient will seek medical attention for IBS as well as other medical conditions. People with IBS could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy by learning how to work with their emotions, behaviors and cognitions thereby relieving IBS symptoms. Anxiety and depression seem to be prevalent in patients with IBS and medical attention should be given to these two conditions.
St. John's wort is a common perennial flowering plant that has received attention for its potential ability to treat mild to moderate depression. It has been used extensively by physicians in Europe as the agent of choice for mild or moderate depression. With approximately 18 million Americans experiencing depression in a given year from a variety of causes, St. John's wort is attracting attention as a safe and natural alternative to current prescription therapies. St. John's wort may amplify the effects of serotonin in the brain. It also contains the chemical melatonin, which has been researched for its effects on mood, anxiety and stress.
A study was performed to assess the effectiveness of St. John’s wort on relieving abnormal psychological behaviors in women with irritable bowel syndrome. The study involved thirty women with IBS and 20 healthy women. At baseline, the Heart rate variability (HRV) spectral analysis was assessed at a stress or resting period. Also, the Hamilton Depression Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale were used to measure the women’s rate of anxiety and depression. After 8 weeks, the tests were repeated and the results were the group administered St. John’s wort experienced a significant decrease in stress, anxiety and depression. Also, gastrointestinal symptoms of IBS were significantly reduced. In conclusion, St. John’s wort improved psychological behavior and autonomic nervous system (ANS) response to stress in patients with IBS.1
1 Wan H, Chen Y. Effects of antidepressive treatment of Saint John's wort extract related to autonomic nervous function in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2010;40(1):45-56.
RSS Feed