Management of supragastric belching with cognitive behavioural therapy: factors determining success and follow‐up outcomes at 6‐12 months post‐therapy

BACKGROUND: Supragastric belching (SGB) has a significant behavioural component. We recently used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat SGB. We demonstrated that CBT significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life in 50% of patients who had completed treatment. AIMS: To investigate factors associated with successful CBT for SGB and to assess symptoms 6-12 months after completion of CBT METHODS: Records of 39 patients who had completed the CBT protocol were analysed. Per cent pre- to post-treatment change in symptoms was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. We evaluated the association between 'pre-treatment' factors and 'during-treatment' factors, and symptomatic outcomes. Symptoms were also assessed 6-12 months after treatment. RESULTS: From 'pre-treatment factors', a lower number of SGBs (P < .01) and lower hypervigilance score (P < .04) were significantly associated with a better outcome. From 'during-treatment factors' a higher CBT 'proficiency score' ([a] acceptance of the explanation that SGB is a behavioural phenomenon [b] detection of a warning signal before belching [c] adherence to the exercises treatment) was associated with a better outcome (P = .001). Multiple regression analysis found that number of SGBs, hypervigilance score and CBT proficiency score were independently associated with outcome (P < .01, P = .01, P < .01). VAS score before CBT (267 ± 79) decreased to 151 ± 88 soon after CBT (P < .001), and the effect persisted at 6-12 months follow-up (153 ± 82). CONCLUSIONS: Lower number of SGBs, lower hypervigilance score and higher proficiency during CBT were associated with better CBT outcome. CBT positive effect lasted for at least 6-12 months post-treatment.