Researchers at the Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University are studying the benefits of an 8-week stress management program for chronic constipation (pilot study). Similar stress management programs have been found to improve the wellbeing and symptoms of people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Swedish and American researchers. The program has started and is held at the Emotional Health Clinic.
Who can participate?
Adults (Age 17 years and older).
People who suffer from Chronic Constipation (for 3 months or longer, very few bowel movements in a week, have incomplete bowel movements frequently, straining to complete bowel movements).
People who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (for 3 months or longer, abdominal pain, either frequent diarrhea or constipation, bloating in the abdomen).
What will happen if I participate?
Selected participants will:
• Undergo a 3-hour interview to ascertain their individual treatment needs.
• Be taken through an 8 week (once per week for 1 hour) stress management program.
• Be required to complete a short diary every day for the duration of the program (will take less than 5 minutes to complete each time).
• Complete questionnaires during the interview, end of the program and 3 months after the completion of the program.
What commitment does the program ask of me?
Participants are required to attend all sessions of the program and to complete a short diary every day. They will also need to complete some questionnaires.
Is there any cost?
No. Participants will be paid $80 when they complete the whole research program. Participants will also be given a free workbook with detailed instructions on Stress management skills and also a free copy of "A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook" with a guided meditation CD.
Who do I contact if I am interested?
Interested persons can contact the researchers at:
wee-chong.tan@students.mq.edu.au / andrew.baillie@mq.edu.au or 0420 851 485 to find out more. You will also need to be screened for eligibility for this program.