Comparing Mobile App Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Medication for Adults with Persistent Functional Dyspepsia

What this Trial Is About

Functional dyspepsia FD is a common digestive disorder that reduces quality of life and increases healthcare costs. This trial evaluates whether an 8-week smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy CBT is as effective as conventional drug treatment with Flupentixol and Melitracen tablets for patients with refractory FD, who continue to have symptoms despite standard treatment. The study aims to offer a potential alternative to antipsychotic drugs, which can have significant side effects. Participants receive standard first-line treatments such as proton pump inhibitors PPIs and prokinetics, determined by their doctors. One group also uses a mobile app called LotusHope for CBT, which includes daily 15-20 minute sessions teaching acceptance, cognition, values, goal-setting, and behavioral exercises over 8 weeks. The other group takes 1-2 tablets of Flupentixol and Melitracen daily for the same duration. This design compares psychological intervention delivered via a mobile app to pharmacotherapy. During the study, researchers monitor participants symptoms using the Global Overall Symptom Score GOSS at 8 weeks as the main outcome. Additional assessments include questionnaires on quality of life, anxiety, depression, and treatment adherence at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The study lasts at least 12 weeks, with careful monitoring of participants health and symptom changes throughout. This approach helps evaluate the effectiveness and usability of mobile app-based CBT in managing refractory FD symptoms.

Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Through a Mobile App on Patients With Refractory Functional Dyspepsia