Biofeedback Treatment Gastrointestinal Disorders

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of biofeedback (BF) treatment in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Two different methods : the non-specific BF method indirectly aimed at learning relaxation; the specific method trying directly to control gastric motility rhythm. These were used in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), respectively. Six of eight IBS patients and all of three NUD patients improved in subjective symptoms. Levels of anxiety assessed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAD were lowered in IBS but not in NUD patients. We conclude that the BF training may be an effective nonpharmacological strategy in functional gastrointestinal disorders.