What's On News June 2018 Unique research supporting young patients with IBD and depression

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Unique research supporting young patients with IBD and depression

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Mater Research is conducting a unique research project into how mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can assist young people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and depression to improve their state of depression, their IBD symptoms and overall health and wellbeing.

A multi-disciplinary team has been established for this research project involving psychiatry, gastroenterology, IBD nursing and allied health.

The mindfulness-based cognitive therapy study, led by Mater Researchers Dr Tatjana Ewais (Psychiatrist) and Dr Jake Begun (Gastroenterologist), is currently recruiting young people with IBD aged 16-29 who experience symptoms of depression to participate in this research.

The study requires participants to attend a weekly two-hour session at the Mater Young Adult Health Centre Brisbane for eight weeks to learn mindfulness and cognitive therapy techniques.

Before and after the eight-week program, participants will undergo psychological and laboratory testing and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in order to determine if there have been any changes to their mood and other mental health parameters, as well as inflammation and brain neuro-connectivity.

How to refer your patients for the study

If you have young patients suitable for this study,  please send a GP or gastroenterologist referral to Dr Ewais. If you’d like to discuss your patients’ suitability, please contact Dr Ewais via email to organise a confidential discussion.

For more information about the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy study, please contact Dr Ewais via email.