Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

(RECLAIM Trial)

This trial aims to help Veterans with both inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. It tests a one-day therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which teaches skills to better manage difficult thoughts and feelings. The goal is to improve daily life and emotional well-being. Veterans with IBD and a mental health diagnosis, who have not been hospitalized or undergone surgery recently, might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study offers Veterans a unique opportunity to potentially enhance their quality of life through innovative therapy.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have found that ACT can help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety in those with IBD. In some trials, participants reported feeling better after attending ACT sessions.

An online version of ACT proved easy to use and helpful for people with IBD. This suggests that ACT is a promising option for improving mental health in people with IBD without causing harm.

Researchers are excited about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) because it offers a fresh approach to managing the condition. Unlike traditional treatments focusing on medication to control inflammation, ACT is a psychological intervention that helps patients handle stress and emotional challenges related to IBD. This therapy empowers individuals by teaching them behavioral tools to pursue meaningful activities even when faced with difficult internal and external experiences. This method is particularly promising for Veterans with IBD and mental health issues, as it addresses the mental health challenges that often accompany chronic physical conditions.

Research has shown that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which participants in this trial will receive, can lower stress and improve the quality of life for individuals with long-term conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Studies have found that ACT reduces stress symptoms and helps patients manage their perception of IBD symptoms. For those with Crohn's disease, ACT has been linked to better health-related quality of life and less self-reported disease activity. One study found that a smartphone-based ACT program consistently lowered stress levels in IBD patients. Overall, ACT has demonstrated benefits in reducing mental distress and improving well-being in people with chronic diseases.⁴⁶⁷⁸⁹