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Hypnotherapy in Pediatric Gastroenterology
Arine M Vlieger1, Amit Assa2, Osvaldo Borrelli3
1From the Department of Pediatrics, St Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.
Insights
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is an evidence-based treatment for pediatric functional gut disorders. This approach helps manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Neurogastroenterology
Background:
- Functional gut disorders are prevalent in children, often impacting quality of life.
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy is emerging as a recognized treatment in pediatric gastroenterology.
- Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for managing these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define gut-directed hypnotherapy.
- To review its efficacy in pediatric gut-brain disorders.
- To explore its implementation in clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on gut-directed hypnotherapy.
- Explanation of the mechanism of action in gut-brain disorders.
- Discussion of supportive roles in symptom management.
Main Results:
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy is an established, evidence-based treatment.
- It effectively addresses gut-brain disorders in pediatric patients.
- It can reduce pain, stress, depression, and anxiety, enhancing quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a valuable therapeutic option for pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Clinicians can implement this therapy with provided guidance.
- Further integration into pediatric gastroenterology practice is recommended.
Abstract:
In several countries, gut-directed hypnotherapy is becoming an established and evidence-based treatment in pediatric gastroenterology. This article describes what hypnotherapy is, offers an overview of its effect in gut-brain disorders and explains its potential mode of action. Moreover, the use of hypnotherapy in other areas of pediatric gastroenterology, as a supportive tool to reduce pain, stress, depression, and anxiety and improve quality of life, will be also discussed. Guidance toward implementing hypnotherapy in clinical practice is provided, including examples of how you can explain hypnosis to patients with gastroenterological symptoms.
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