Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy App Improves IBS Symptoms - Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News

[Health Reporter]

Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy App Improves IBS Symptoms  Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—A gut-directed hypnotherapy program conducted via a downloadable app was shown to improve gastrointestinal symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome—and to a degree that is similar to that seen in face-to-face therapy, researchers reported at the 2022 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

“We all know that integrative care is best, and by that we mean a combination of management strategies that includes medical, nutritional and behavioral management,” said Simone Peters, PhD, the director of the Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Program at the Alfred Hospital Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Clinic at Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia, who also designed the app program. Behavioral therapies that have a good evidence basis, including psychoeducation, stress management, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy, often are implemented, according to Dr. Peters. But there are barriers to using gut-directed hypnotherapy, particularly access to and availability of trained therapists, as well as high cost.

“Delivering gut-directed hypnotherapy by an app enables widespread use of the treatment despite few trained professionals,” she said, “and it provides a cost-effective alternative to an otherwise expensive treatment.”

View the full article