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Abstract
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) include a group of chronic diseases, the most common of which are Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohns Disease (CD). Adolescents experience a unique set of psychosocial difficulties related to these conditions. Although there is mounting evidence that is drawing attention to the psychological needs of children and adolescents with IBD, there has been no published intervention research with this group to date. This study evaluated a standardized, multi-component, 10-session, skills-based treatment package for adolescent girls with IBD and their parents. Six females with IBD between the ages of 13 and 17 and their parents were enrolled in the current study. Measures of physical and psychological symptoms and quality of life were collected from all participants at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Within group differences indicated that there were improvements in psychological and physical functioning and quality of life.