Attached is a review article examining the evidence base for clinical hypnosis in disorders of gut–brain interaction, also known as gut-directed hypnotherapy. The review describes evidence supporting gut-focused hypnotherapy for some patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction, including IBS. Reported outcomes vary between studies and depend on patient selection, treatment completion and the outcomes measured.
The review describes gut-focused hypnotherapy as an individualized clinical intervention, commonly delivered in 6–12 weekly sessions, with patients encouraged to practise between sessions using audio recordings and self-hypnosis.
The review includes a large cohort of 1,000 adults with refractory IBS and discusses clinically meaningful improvement using the IBS Symptom Severity Score, alongside other studies reporting variable outcomes.
Vasant DH, Whorwell PJ. Gut-focused hypnotherapy for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Evidence-base, practical aspects, and the Manchester Protocol. Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2019;31:e13573.
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