Online group therapy for anxiety and depression in people with inflammatory bowel disease
Tests online group psychotherapy in adults with inflammatory bowel disease and anxiety or depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Virtual Group Therapy for IBD Patients With Anxiety and Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Chicago, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of ChicagoChicago, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Chicago
- Trial code
- NCT07796568
- Record updated
- 1 September 2026
- Original description
This study is being done to better understand the complex relationship between mental health and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), with a particular focus on symptoms of depression and anxiety. While depression and anxiety have traditionally been viewed as reactions to the burden of living with IBD, new research suggests that the biological factors involved in IBD may also contribute directly to these mental health challenges. This study aims to evaluate whether a virtual, group-based psychological treatment is both acceptable and feasible for patients with IBD who experience significant depression and/or anxiety. Researchers will also evaluate participants' depression, generalized anxiety, and associated psychosocial factors (poor sleep quality, GI-specific anxiety, fatigue) before, during, and after treatment. Finally, researchers will evaluate disease severity as it relates to mental health status by comparing it to symptoms, biochemical disease and tryptophan metabolites from blood and stool samples.Read full original descriptionShow less
Group-based Virtual Psychotherapy Intervention for Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
This study is being done to better understand the complex relationship between mental health and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), with a particular focus on symptoms of depression and anxiety. While depression and anxiety have traditionally been viewed as reactions to the burden of living with IBD, new research suggests that the biological factors involved in IBD may also contribute directly to these mental health challenges. This study aims to evaluate whether a virtual, group-based psychological treatment is both acceptable and feasible for patients with IBD who experience significant depression and/or anxiety. Researchers will also evaluate participants' depression, generalized anxiety, and associated psychosocial factors (poor sleep quality, GI-specific anxiety, fatigue) before, during, and after treatment. Finally, researchers will evaluate disease severity as it relates to mental health status by comparing it to symptoms, biochemical disease and tryptophan metabolites from blood and stool samples.
People who agree to join the study will be asked to attend three in-person visits and 10 virtual group psychotherapy sessions over 11 weeks. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, give stool and blood samples, and the research team will collect information about participations from medical records.
Inclusion: 18+ years of age; Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis); English-speaking; Patients with score ≥10 on General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire (considered moderate or higher anxiety symptoms) or ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) (considered moderate or higher depressive symptoms) within 3 months; Able to provide written consent.
Exclusion: Unable to understand the instructions or to consent to participation in the study, including patients with a diagnosed cognitive impairment; Unwilling and/or unable to participate; Non-English speakers.