Hypnosis home treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2006 Jan;54(1):85-99. doi: 10.1080/00207140500328666.

Abstract

Hypnosis treatment often improves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but the costs and reliance on specialized therapists limit its availability. A 3-month home-treatment version of a scripted hypnosis protocol previously shown to improve all central IBS symptoms was completed by 19 IBS patients. Outcomes were compared to those of 57 matched IBS patients from a separate study receiving only standard medical care. Ten of the hypnosis subjects (53%) responded to treatment by 3-month follow-up (response defined as more than 50% reduction in IBS severity) vs. 15 (26%) of controls. Hypnosis subjects improved more in quality of life scores compared to controls. Anxiety predicted poor treatment response. Hypnosis responders remained improved at 6-month follow-up. Although response rate was lower than previously observed in therapist-delivered treatment, hypnosis home treatment may double the proportion of IBS patients improving significantly across 6 months.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autogenic Training*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Home Care Services*
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis / methods*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / psychology
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life / psychology