The Effectiveness of Neuro-Feedback on the Severity of Gastrointestinal Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

New technologies in neuroscience like neurofeedback (NFB) is one of the growing and challenging issues. The aim of present study was to determine the effectiveness of NFB on the severity of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This study is a double-blind clinical trial with a control group. Initial screening included 160 patients with IBS who were referred by the gastroenterologist. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to three groups of NFB intervention; placebo (Pseudo-NFD) and control group (GI drugs only). The groups completed the IBS Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) and IBS Quality of Life Questionnaire (QOL-IBS) before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using ANOVA.

The results showed that NFB and placebo had a greater and significant effect on reducing depressive symptoms and IBS severity compared to the drug alone (P < 0.05). The placebo group with the drug showed an increase in higher quality of life scores than the other groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in stress and anxiety.

Findings support the use of NFB along with medication for IBS patients, which is associated with appropriate therapeutic relationship, to enhance the effectiveness of interdisciplinary interventions.