Mindfulness meditation can reduce PTSD and IBS in veterans

A study showed that mindfulness meditation can reduce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, the study looked at the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on PTSD and IBS among veterans.

• PTSD and IBS are highly comorbid conditions associated with reduced health-related quality of life, which are common among veterans.
• Researchers at VA Puget Sound Health Care System sought to determine whether MBSR treatment improved PTSD and IBS symptoms.
• For the study, the researchers recruited 55 veterans with PTSD and IBS.
• The participants underwent an MBSR treatment for eight weeks.
• The researchers measured the effect of the mindfulness treatment on PTSD, IBS, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, and depression symptoms.
• In addition, they measured the mindfulness skills of the participants.
• The results showed that the veterans reported reduced trauma-related disorders, irritable bowel, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, and depression symptoms immediately after treatment.
• Moreover, mindfulness meditation also improved their mindfulness skills.
• Even four months after the treatment, the improvements in PTSD and depression symptoms remained.

In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that mindfulness meditation may be an effective treatment for people with PTSD, depression, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, and irritable bowel symptoms.

To read more studies on the health benefits of mindfulness meditation, visit HealingArts.news.

Journal Reference:

Harding K, Simpson T, Kearney DJ. REDUCED SYMPTOMS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME FOLLOWING MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION AMONG VETERANS. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 14 December 2018; 24(12): 1159-1165. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2018.0135