Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 19, 2025
Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness and Safety of Shugan Jieyu Capsules for the Treatment of Insomnia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Systematic review, meta-analysis with subgroup analysis of hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome, effect of
Matthew Krouwel1, Amanda Farley1, Sheila Greenfield1
1Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
Background:
Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective at relieving global gastrointestinal symptoms (GGS) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study examines the impact of hypnotherapy delivery and participant characteristics on IBS outcomes.
Methods:
This systematic review searched CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Conference Citation Index, Embase, PubMed, PsycARTICLES, PsychINFO, Science Citation index-expanded, Social Science Citation Index. Titles and abstracts, then full-text articles were screened against inclusion criteria: trials with a concurrent comparator of hypnotherapy in adults with IBS diagnosed using Manning or ROME criteria, which provided symptom data. Included studies were extracted and assessed for bias using Cochrane Collaboration 2011 guidance. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted with sub-group analysis to assess the impact of delivery characteristics on outcomes.
Results:
Twelve trials were included, 7 in the meta-analyses. Hypnotherapy reduced the risk of GGS, but this was not statistically significant, (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.24, [-0.06, 0.54], I2 66 %). Higher frequency of sessions (≥1/week) reduced GGS (SMD 0.45 [0.23,0.67] I2 0 %), as did higher volumes of intervention (≥8 sessions with ≥6 h of contact) (SMD 0.51 [0.27,0.76] I2 0 %) and group interventions (SMD 0.45 [0.03, 0.88] I2 62 %). Only volume of intervention produced a significant effect between the subgroups.
Conclusion:
This review suggests that high volume hypnotherapy is more beneficial than low and should be adopted for GDH. Both high frequency and group interventions are effective in reducing GGS in IBS. However, the sample size is small and more studies are needed to confirm this.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:17Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...