Table 4.
Randomized controlled studies investigating the effects of psychodynamic psychotherapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
| Study | Population | Variables | Intervention | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Svedlund et al. (1983) Controlled study of psychotherapy in irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet. (49) | 101 (69% female) | Somatic symptoms | 3 months: 10x 1 h session psychodynamic psychotherapy + medical treatment vs. control group (medical treatment) | Greater improvement of somatic symptoms in psychodynamic group; difference between both groups more pronounced after 1 year follow-up. |
| Guthrie et al. (1991) A controlled trial of psychological treatment for the irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. (50) | 102 (74% female) | IBS symptoms | 3 months: eight sessions psychodynamic therapy (plus relaxation plus medication) vs. control (medical treatment) | At 3 months greater improvement in diarrhea and abdominal pain in psychodynamic group compared to control. |
| Creed et al. (2003) The cost-effectiveness of psychotherapy and paroxetine for severe irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology (51) | 252 (80% female) | IBS symptoms Quality of life Health care costs |
3 months: eight sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy vs. paroxetine vs. control group (routine care) |
Psychodynamic and paroxetine improved in global symptoms; during follow up psychotherapy was more cost efficient than paroxetine and control. |
| Hyphantis et al. (2009) Psychodynamic interpersonal therapy and improvement in interpersonal difficulties in people with severe irritable bowel syndrome. Pain. (52) | 247 (80% female) | Interpersonal problems Abdominal pain Bowel symptoms Psychological distress Health status |
Psychodynamic psychotherapy vs. antidepressant vs. control group (routine care) | Psychodynamic therapy induced a reduction of interpersonal conflicts; medical treatment improved somatic symptoms. |
IBS, irritable bowel syndrome.