Part of the research focused on the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). This training helped about one-third of participants reduce their fatigue, with lasting effects for months after completion. At the same time, it became clear that not all patients wanted to participate—often because they did not feel a need for care. Therefore, the thesis also explored why patients do or do not seek help. Their perceptions of fatigue, available care, and the attitude of healthcare professionals proved to be crucial. Clear information and a supportive healthcare professional appeared essential to make seeking help more accessible.
The research also examined different groups of patients based on their symptoms. Fatigue often co-occurred with abdominal pain, stress, sleep problems, or low mood. The factors involved varied per patient. The results show that fatigue is a complex problem that extends beyond intestinal inflammation alone and is often linked to psychological and social factors.
This thesis therefore advocates for personalised care that addresses the diversity of symptoms and preferences among patients. Better care is possible if we look beyond inflammation and truly listen to the patient.
