Study of Biomarkers and the Relaxation Response Using Guided Imagery in Women With IC

Overview

Interstitial cystitis (IC) affects more than one million women in the United States. It has been thought that IC patients who have been unable to obtain adequate relief from medical remedies would value a psychotherapeutic intervention that could diminish some of their pain. There are currently no studies using biomarkers with the use of a relaxation technique called guided imagery in IC patients. Many guided imagery intervention studies in areas such as cancer, post-operative pain, and arthritis reported that guided imagery resulted in improvements in the psychological or physiological outcomes examined. If this is also true in IC patients, this intervention may prevent the use of unnecessary medications and procedures that are currently being used.

This is a randomized pilot study. Women who are referred to the Nurse Practitioner for treatment will be invited to enroll. If the patient meets the study criteria, the study will be explained. If the patient agrees to participate in this study, informed consent will be obtained. The patient will be randomized (similar to flipping a coin) into either the Treatment group or Control group. Both groups will be maintained with their IC regimens as prescribed by their own health care providers. The following actions and treatment will done: There will be 2 visits for all subjects. All subjects will complete a pain diary and medication log during the study. Salivary samples will be obtained at baseline, during the first week of the study, after the 2nd week of the study, the midpoint of the intervention (week 3) and at the end of the study. The Treatment group will listen to a guided imagery CD twice a day, and the Control group will sit or lay down, doing whatever they choose, for the same length of time twice a day. All subjects will complete questionnaires upon enrollment and at week 6.The "Treatment" subjects will receive the guided imagery CD specific for pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis. After the baseline data is completed, they will listen to track 2 of the CD (25 min. in length) twice a day ("Relaxation Exercise A"). The first week they listen to the CD, for 3 days they will obtain salivary tests upon waking then ½ hour later. Then they will listen to the CD, and obtain another salivary sample in addition to recording their pulse and respirations immediately after listening to the CD. The bedtime salivary test, pulse and respirations will be done immediately after listening to the CD. Salivary testing, pulse and respirations will also be done before this evening CD session. The salivary testing will be repeated in the same fashion during the 3rd week of intervention.