Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's and ulcerative colitis; IBD), a serious medical
condition that affects children and adolescents, is often associated with high rates of
health care utilization and disability, including school absences. While psychosocial
factors are not believed to cause IBD, research suggests that they may increase
illness-related dysfunction. Prior studies suggest that response to chronic illness is, in
part, acquired during childhood through social learning processes and may be modified with
psychosocial interventions. This randomized controlled trial will compare a social learning
and cognitive behavior therapy (SLCBT) treatment to an education and support condition (ES).
180 children with IBD will be recruited and followed for 12 months. It is hypothesized that
SLCBT participants, compared to those in the ES condition, will, at one-year follow-up: 1)
exhibit greater decreases in IBD symptoms, medical visits for IBD, and functional
disability, and greater increases in quality of life; 2) demonstrate greater use of
cognitive coping, relaxation and stress management skills, and their parents will
demonstrate greater reductions in maladaptive responses to illness behavior; and 3) exhibit
greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and somatization. Results will lead to innovative
interventions for IBD and other chronic childhood medical conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Child has been diagnosed for at least 3 months

- Child age is 8-17

- Child has lived with primary caregiver full-time for at least the past 5 years and
for at least half of his/ her lifetime

- Child is medically approved to engage in normal daily activities

Exclusion Criteria:

- Chronic disease other than IBD (e.g., pancreatitis, diabetes, epilepsy)

- Major surgery in past year unrelated to IBD

- Developmental disabilities that require full-time special education or that impair
ability to respond to treatment