Mind and muscle: could CBT ease stubborn constipation?
NCT ID NCT07488442
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to standard pelvic floor exercises can improve symptoms in people with dyssynergic defecation, a type of chronic constipation. Researchers will enroll 26 adults aged 18 to 55 who have had constipation for over a year. Participants will either do pelvic floor rehabilitation alone or combine it with CBT, and their progress will be tracked using constipation and depression scales.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- cognitive behavioral therapy and pelvic floor rehabilitation
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a better way to manage chronic constipation without medication.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small early study with only 26 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is behavioral, not a drug, so benefits may be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 26 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 55 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. A history of constipation lasting longer than one year 2. Chronic constipation as defined by the Rome IV criteria 3. Being between the ages of 18 and 55 4. Findings consistent with dyssynergic defecation on anorectal manometry and balloon defecography 5. Exclusion of organic and metabolic causes of chronic constipation Exclusion Criteria: 1. Active bowel disease 2. Presence of an active anal fissure 3. History of major abdominal surgery 4. Presence of a neurological disorder 5. Presence of a serious psychiatric disorder 6. Use of medications that cause constipation
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Ankara Etlik City Hospital
RECRUITINGAnkara, Yenimahalle, 06010, Turkey (Türkiye)