Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Sudarshan Kriya Yoga for Depression in IBD
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two approaches to help individuals with anxiety or depression related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. One group will receive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) guided by a psychologist, while another will learn CBT independently using a book. A third group will practice Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a type of breathing exercise and yoga. The trial seeks participants with IBD who have stable symptoms and experience anxiety or depression. Participants must maintain their current mental health medication doses throughout the study. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapies for managing anxiety and depression in IBD patients.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
No, you won't have to stop taking your current medications. Participants need to stay on the same dose of their anxiety and/or depression medications throughout the study.
What prior data suggests that these treatments are safe for individuals with IBD?
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effectively helps people change negative thinking patterns. Studies indicate that it is generally safe and well-tolerated, with no significant side effects or risks reported. CBT assists individuals in managing issues like anxiety and depression by teaching new coping strategies.
Although this specific trial lacks a detailed description, the common use of CBT for mental health conditions can reassure participants of its safety. In this trial, participants will either attend CBT sessions with a psychologist or use a self-guided book. Both methods aim to improve mental health in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they explore different approaches to managing depression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While traditional treatments typically involve medication and psychotherapy, these trials investigate the potential of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in two distinct formats: psychologist-administered and self-administered. The self-administered CBT is particularly intriguing as it empowers patients to manage their mental health independently, potentially increasing accessibility and reducing treatment costs. Additionally, Sudarshan Kriya Yoga, a form of rhythmic breathing, offers a non-pharmacological option that could complement existing therapies by addressing both mental and physical well-being through stress reduction and improved emotional balance.
What evidence suggests that these treatments could be effective for depression in IBD?
Research has shown that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), one of the treatments in this trial, can effectively treat depression and anxiety. It achieves this by teaching individuals to recognize and change negative thought patterns. Studies have found that CBT helps manage mental health issues by reducing behaviors that exacerbate these conditions.
For Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), another treatment option in this trial, direct research is limited. However, yoga and similar practices are known to enhance mental well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. This suggests that SKY might positively affect depression and anxiety, but further research is necessary to confirm this.34678Who Is on the Research Team?
Jill Gaidos, MD, FACG
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals with Crohn's disease who are stable on anxiety or depression meds, without dose changes in the last 12 weeks. They should not have active intestinal inflammation and must commit to the full study duration. Non-English speakers, those with severe mental illness, or active inflammation are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either psychologist-administered CBT or self-administered CBT for anxiety and depression
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Sudarshan Kriya Yoga
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA)
Collaborator