A holistic approach to the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a holistic intervention approach to the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The sample consisted of 70 South African women who were diagnosed with IBS. The sample was divided into four groups. Group 1 (n = 13) received IBS medication and holistic psychotherapy, Group 2 (n = 23) received IBS medication only, Group 3 (n = 13) received holistic psychotherapy only and Group 4 (n = 21) received no treatment until the study was completed. During the intervention phase the relevant participants received one-hour holistic psychotherapy per week for eight to twelve weeks. Medication as a treatment continued uninterrupted depending on each client's unique symptom patterns. The results of the study indicate that Group 1, who received IBS medication and holistic psychotherapy and Group 3 (holistic psychotherapy only) improved most in term of IBS symptom severity. Thus it is concluded that a holistic approach for the treatment of IBS is indicated, depending on the nature and severity of symptoms as well as each individual's contextual situation. This study facilitates a framework for psychologists who are working with clients with IBS or any other mind-body illness.


Die doelwit van die studie is om die effek van 'n holistiese benadering tot die bestuur van Prikkelbare Dermsindroom ("Irritable Bowel Syndrome") te ondersoek. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 70 Suid-Afrikaanse vroue wat gediagnoseer is met Prikkelbare Dermsindroom. Die steekproef is in vier groepe verdeel. Groep 1 (n = 13) het medikasie en holistiese psigoterapie ontvang, Groep 2 (n = 23) het slegs medikasie ontvang, Groep 3 (n = 13) het slegs holistiese psigoterapie ontvang en Groep 4 (n = 21) het geen behandeling ontvang totdat die studie afgehandel is nie. Gedurende die intervensiefase het die betrokke deelnemers holistiese psigoterapie ontvang vir een uur per week, vir agt tot twaalf weke. Medikasie as behandeling het deurentyd voortgegaan afhangende van elke kliënt se unieke patroon van simptome. Die resultate van die studie dui aan dat Groep 1, wat medikasie en holistiese psigoterapie ontvang het asook Groep 3 (slegs holistiese psigoterapie) die meeste verbetering ten opsigte van die ernstigheid van simptome getoon het. Die studie verskaf 'n raamwerk vir sielkundiges wat met kliënte werk met Prikkelbare Dermsindroom of enige ander liggaam-gees siekte.


Health SA Gesondheid Vol.6(4) 2003: 37-46