Central and Peripheral Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Brain-Gut Axis Signaling in Gastroparetic Patients
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
This is a single-center pilot study to be conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital. The purpose of this study is to examine the non-pharmacological impact of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on gastroparesis symptoms and other clinical co-comorbidities such as pain, depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing. CBT trial patients will undergo careful phenotyping pre- and post- intervention with brain MRI, autonomic function test (AFT), gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES), and nutrient drink test (NDT) to determine the impact of CBT on these metrics in patients with gastroparesis. Characterization of these relationships or lack thereof can help guide future development of more targeted approaches and optimize treatment strategies for gastroparesis.
Description
This randomized, controlled trial will examine the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on gastroparesis symptoms (including pain related brain circuitry). CBT reduces pain intensity, negative affect, and disability among patients with chronic pain, though there is a good deal of individual variability in treatment effects. Treatment gains following CBT are maintained or enhanced at 6 to 12-month follow-up. This study will examine the brain circuitry underlying these effects. In addition, as measures of gastroparesis symptoms and pain are correlated with other, more general, measures…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male and female patients aged 18 - 65 years old (inclusive) 2. Symptoms of gastroparesis of at least 12 weeks duration (do not have to be continuous) with varying degrees of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and/or post-prandial fullness 3. An idiopathic etiology 4. GES of solids using 4 hours Egg Beaters® protocol within the last 2 years with either: \- Abnormal gastric emptying rate defined as an abnormal 2 hour (\>60% retention) and/or 4 hour (\>10% retention) result based on a 4 hour scintigraphic low fat Egg Beaters® gastric emptying study. 5. Body mass index (B…
Interventions
- BehavioralCognitive Behavioral Therapy
Treatment sessions will use active, structured techniques to alter distorted thoughts, with a focus on acquiring and practicing cognitive and emotional modulatory skills. In particular, cognitive restructuring is used to help patients recognize the relationships between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Patients learn to identify, evaluate, and challenge negative thoughts. Patients will also learn behavioral strategies to decrease avoidance behavior and increase toleration of physical sensations.
Location
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts