Overview
The goals of this study are to test the effectiveness of a virtually delivered, group-based coping skills treatment program incorporating heart rate variability biofeedback to target autonomic dysfunction in youth diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The investigators will enroll participants with IBD in a biofeedback enhanced cognitive behaviorally based coping skills treatment. Participants will be randomized to biofeedback enhanced treatment or wait-list control.
Description
The goals of this study are to test the effectiveness of a virtually delivered, group-based coping skills treatment program incorporating heart rate variability biofeedback to target autonomic dysfunction in youth diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Patients are youth ages 13-18 recruited through IBD clinics at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Enrollment will include up to 128 children with at least 1 parent. This study will last 7-months and will have 4 in person study visits, lasting about 1 hour each, as well as 6 virtual treatment sessions lasting about 45 minutes each.
Study procedures will include surveys, chart/record review, blood sampling, and non-invasive assessments of psychophysiological functioning. Stool samples will be collected and stored. Informed consent and assent will be obtained in-person or remote signed.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosis with biopsy-confirmed IBD for at least 4 months,
- ages 13 through 18 years inclusive,
- speak English,
- enrolling with at least 1 parent/guardian who is willing to participate by completing surveys,
- positive depression or anxiety screens using the PHQ-4, - access to home internet to participate in virtual intervention,
- youth and parent agree to the conditions of study participation, including randomization, participation in intervention, and follow-up assessments,
- youth is medically approved to engage in normal daily activities (e.g., attend school, extracurricular activities)
Exclusion Criteria:
- previous diagnosis of developmental disabilities that require full-time special education or that impair the ability to respond to treatment,
- diagnosis with any other chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, etc.),
- diagnosis of abnormal thyroid function,
- treatment with any drug with known autonomic cardiovascular influences including beta-blockers, central sympatholytic agents, or antidepressants.