The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of mindfulness-based therapy in improving the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using major databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library, for clinical trial articles published between 2010/01/30 and 2024/05/30. The search strategy incorporated keywords such as "IBS," "Mindfulness," "quality of life," and "anxiety." The systematic review included 20 studies, with sample sizes ranging from 3 to 95 patients. A meta-analysis was subsequently performed on ten articles, focusing on the impact of mindfulness-based therapy on enhancing the quality of life in IBS patients. The Verhagen quality assessment checklist was used to qualitatively evaluate these articles. The study's findings were presented in two main sections using the random-effects model during the meta-analysis. First, the influence of mindfulness-based therapy on patients' quality of life was examined. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life following this therapeutic intervention (Standardized Mean Difference SMD =-0.683, 95% Confidence Interval CI =-1.326,-0.039, P = 0.000). Additionally, mindfulness-based therapy significantly reduced anxiety (SMD = 0.679, 95% CI = 0.354, 1.004) and depression symptoms (SMD = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.284, 0.708) in these individuals. The findings of this systematic review suggest that mindfulness-based therapy is effective in improving the quality of life for individuals with IBS, while also reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Given the potentially harmful side effects of pharmacological treatments for these patients, it is essential to prioritize therapeutic and non-pharmacological interventions, such as mindfulness-based therapy. © 2024, Harorani et al.