The effectiveness of emotional schema therapy on psychological symptoms of patients with irritable Bowel syndrome

AIM: positive and negative emotional states are the most important factors in the process of treatment and prevention of psychosomatic diseases. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotional schemas therapy on the reduction of psychological symptoms of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: This research was implemented in the framework of single-subject experimental design using of stepwise multiple-baselines plan. Five patients with IBS were selected as convenience sampling on the base of the participation willingness of individuals to the research then received emotional schema therapy (EST). Research tools included ROME III scale, semi-structured interview for making DSM-IV interview, and depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) questionnaire. The analysis of data was done using visual analysis charts, recovery percentage, and reliable change index. RESULTS: The results showed patients that received EST detected decrease of the scores in DASS-21 rate than baseline (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EST decreases psychological symptoms of patients with IBS. Therefore, it can be proposed as an alternative therapy or together with other therapies for these patients