Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for irritable bowel syndrome non-patients: A pilot randomized waiting list controlled trial

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional disorders, and an intervention targeting IBS non-patients (with symptoms and undiagnosed) is needed. This study examined the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in IBS non-patients. A total of 26 non-patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 14) or a waiting list group (n = 12). Self-reported IBS symptom severity, quality of life, psychological distress (anxiety and depression), and psychological flexibility were assessed at three time points. The intervention group completed an ACT program consisting of a one-day group session and a two-month self-help program. This program reduced depressive mood but not symptom severity. These results suggest that this ACT program is insufficient for IBS non-patients and the intervention needs further modification.