[Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome--a systematic review]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with significant clinical and economic burden.
• A bio-psycho-social model encompasses various pathogenetic factors contributing to IBS.
• Hypnotherapy has demonstrated efficacy in providing sustained symptom relief for a substantial number of IBS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing literature on hypnotherapy for IBS, focusing on symptom relief.
• To critically examine the proposed mechanisms of action underlying hypnotherapy's effects in IBS.
• To identify gaps in current research regarding hypnosis and IBS pathogenetic factors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published studies on hypnotherapy interventions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• Analysis of data from approximately 800 patients treated with hypnotherapy.
• Review of nine mechanism studies investigating hypnosis's impact on colorectal sensitivity, motility, and mental strain.

Main Results:

• Hypnotherapy has shown potential for long-lasting symptom relief in IBS patients.
• Studies suggest hypnosis influences colorectal sensitivity, motility, and psychological factors like anxiety and depression.
• Existing research presents contradictory findings and has not fully explored all proposed mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Hypnotherapy is a promising intervention for managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex mechanisms through which hypnosis exerts its therapeutic effects in IBS.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing hypnotherapy protocols for IBS patients.