Table 6.

Randomized controlled studies investigating the effects of mindfulness-based therapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Study	Population	Measured variable	Intervention	Results
Gaylord et al. (2011) Mindfulness training reduces the severity of irritable bowel syndrome in women: results of a randomized controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. (64)	75 (100% female)	Quality of life Visceral sensitivity index Treatment credibility scale	8 weeks: 1x 2 h mindfulness training/ week vs. support group	Greater reductions in IBS symptom severity after treatment and at 3 months follow up in mindfulness compared to support group.
Garland et al. (2012) Therapeutic mechanisms of a mindfulness-based treatment for IBS: effects on visceral sensitivity, catastrophizing, and affective processing of pain sensations. J Behav Med. (66)	75 (100% female)	IBS severity Quality of life	8 weeks: mindfulness training vs. social support	Mindfulness training promoted nonreactivity to IBS-associated anxiety and catastrophic appraisals.
Zernicke et al. (2013) Mindfulness-based stress reduction for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a randomized wait-list controlled trial. Int J Behav Med. (67)	90 (90% female)	IBS symptom severity Quality of life Stress Mood	8 weeks: 1x 90 min/week mindfulness-based stress reduction vs. control group (waiting list)	Greater decrease in symptom severity in mindfulness group; benefit for overall symptoms persisted at 6 months follow-up.

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome.