ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a disorder of gut brain interaction (DGBI) often triggered by stress. Interventions like meditation may improve psychological outcomes and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), but their efficacy and the underlying mechanism are unknown. METHODS: We conducted a 6-week single-arm pilot study to assess the effects of Heartfulness meditation (HFM) in CVS using a custom-designed meditation app. Primary outcomes included state and trait anxiety and mood state changes pre- vs. post-meditation, and secondary outcomes were psychological distress, coping, sleep quality and HRQoL at baseline and weeks 3 and 6. Serum concentrations of endocannabinoids N-arachidonylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and related lipids were measured pre-and-post HFM at baseline and week 6. RESULTS: In 30 treatment completers, there was a significant improvement in state anxiety (p<0.001), total mood disturbance (p<0.001), and other mood states (all p values <0.05) across the three time points. Trait anxiety was also improved at week 6. There was a significant improvement in psychological distress (global severity index), sleep quality (daytime dysfunction), coping (using religion/spirituality) and HRQoL (mental and physical) across the three time points (all p <0.05). Significant increases in AEA and related lipids N-oleoylethanolamine and palmitoylethanolamide post-vs.-pre HFM were observed at week 6 (p<0.001, 0.002, 0.003, respectively). No adverse effects were noted. DISCUSSION: App-delivered HFM is feasible, safe and effective and improves psychological outcomes and augments endocannabinoids. This provides insight into the mechanism underlying HFM and has potential for widespread use as a digital therapeutic in CVS and other DGBI.Study Highlights.
