OCTOBER 16, 2015
Results of Randomized Controlled Study Published in the Journal of Rheumatology
August 15, 2013 – The results from a randomized controlled study, published recently in the Journal of Rheumatology, show that an IFS-based intervention had positive effects on patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), reducing pain and depressive symptoms, while improving physical function and self-compassion. The study was the first randomized control trial of its kind conducted to assess the efficacy of IFS on patient outcomes.
Dr. Nancy Shadick, from the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School, served as Principal Investigator for the study, which assessed the impact of an IFS-based psychotherapeutic intervention on disease activity and psychological status in a trial of 79 RA patients. The study concluded that IFS is feasible and acceptable for patients with RA and would effectively complement medical management of the disease, and suggested that future efficacy trials are warranted.
“For thirty years, mental health professionals have reported significant improvements in the psychological health of clients treated with IFS;” said Dr. Richard Schwartz, founder of the IFS psychotherapy model. “Now, thanks to Dr. Shadick and her team, we have an important outcome study that lays the foundation for establishing scientific evidence confirming this connection. I am gratified that the results of this first study are so encouraging and look forward to future research.”
The full study is available here.
