Psychoeducation of adolescents with inflammatory bowel diseases and their families

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis) are chronic disorders that affect the quality of life of the patients and their families. The mental state is connected with the physical one. Psychotherapy resulted in the improvement of psychological outcomes in IBD METHOD: Psychoeducation group for adolescents and their parents or caregivers was prepared. Pre-selected 13 adolescents at the age of 15–18 years (10 girls and three boys) with IBD (11 Crohn disease, two ulcerative colitis) and their parents and caregivers took part in the 3-hour session. Program based on Positive CBT covered educational topics about IBD, diet, the importance of physical activity, and also practical exercise focused on the mindfulness, relaxation, and problem-solving strategies. RESULTS: The patients, caregivers, and pediatricians appreciated the psychoeducational session with multi-family discussion; from exercises they especially enjoyed the relaxation and problem-solving strategies, clarification of some false beliefs about some of the recommendation (diet, exercise, regimen). Parents and patients postulated their message for other families with children with IBD, with the focus on positive thinking, hope and family solidarity. CONCLUSIONS: Psychoeducational groups were appreciated by patients, caregivers, and pediatricians, they revealed possible ways of working with the multi-family setting. The recommendation about medical treatment, routine, diet, exercise, relaxation and learning the skills of problem solving seemed to be the most important parts of psychoeducation session.