In February, 2015, Drs. Charles and Mary-Joan Gerson gave an official presentation about their IBS research studies at UCLA. The talk was given at the UCLA Center for Neurobiology of Stress of the Division of Digestive Diseases, directed by Dr. Emeran Mayer and co-directed by Dr. Lin Chang.
Many patients with IBS report abdominal bloating and distension as their principal complaint. Research has yielded new insights regarding this symptom. Recent studies have revealed that the main cause bloating and distension is “abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia”—a reversal in the relaxation and contraction of abdominal muscles and diaphragm after consuming food.
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Patient reported outcome is a new innovation at the MBDC that allows patients to record their IBS and psychological status on their own computer, at regular intervals. Results are automatically graphed for review in the office, and are extremely helpful in guiding patient care.
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Based on a number of studies initiated by a psychologist, James Pennebaker, it has been shown that a specific writing program, where patients are asked to describe deep emotional life experiences, has led to improvement in various aspects of health, including asthma, arthritis, and stress reduction This program has been adapted to our patients with IBS who are finding it helpful.
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At the MBDC, we have initiated a study that will examine crucial aspects of the relationship between an IBS patient and her/his partner. There is very little information on how beliefs about illness and coping on the part of the patient, the partner, and the degree of agreement between them may effect the course of IBS.
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Dr. Mary-Joan Gerson has been appointed to one of the committees of the prestigious Rome Foundation, the Multi-Cultural Aspects of Functional Gastro-intestinal Disorders Committee. The Rome Foundation sets the definitions of FGID for the international academic community and publishes the authoritative text in this field.
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IBS focused hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for patients with IBS. At the MBDC, we have shown, for the first time, that this treatment is also effective in a group format. A group format clearly has the advantages of being more cost-effective and allowing for some bonding and sharing of experience between patients.
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