The study also will investigate quality of life and pscyhosocial function related to constipation problems and treatment.
People taking stable doses of antidepressants are eligible for the study.
Women who are pregnant and people who have irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative and Crohn's colitis are not eligible to participate. Prospective participants will be asked to make one or two visits to the UI Hospitals and Clinics for an initial assessment. Some people will then have the option to continue with the study for an additional nine months. Compensation will be provided. The technique involves making people more aware of unconscious or involuntary bodily functions involved in defecation and includes the use of a probe as well as visual and verbal feedback techniques so that individuals may relearn the normal process of having a bowel movement.