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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
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A Randomized Parallel-group Study of Digital Gut-directed Hypnotherapy vs Muscle Relaxation for Irritable Bowel
Sameer K Berry1, Rani Berry2, David Recker3
1New York Gastroenterology Associates, New York, New York.
Summary
Digital gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) improved abdominal pain and stool symptoms in adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This digital program offers a scalable solution for IBS management, enhancing accessibility to effective treatments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Digital Health
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder.
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is an effective IBS treatment, but accessibility is limited.
- Digital delivery of GDH may improve access to care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the safety and efficacy of a self-administered, digital GDH program versus digital muscle relaxation (MR) in adults with IBS.
- To evaluate the impact of digital GDH on abdominal pain, stool consistency, and stool frequency.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 378 adults with IBS.
- Participants were randomized to 12 weeks of digital GDH (Regulora) or digital MR via a mobile app.
- Primary endpoint: abdominal pain response (≥30% reduction in pain intensity).
Main Results:
- 362 patients were included in the efficacy analysis.
- While the primary endpoint showed no significant difference, digital GDH significantly increased abdominal pain responders during late treatment (30.9% vs 21.5%) and overall (29.3% vs 18.8%).
- Improvements in pain, stool consistency, and frequency were observed across IBS subtypes with no serious adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Digital GDH programs can improve abdominal pain and stool symptoms in IBS patients.
- This intervention shows promise as part of integrated care for IBS.
- Digital GDH offers a scalable and accessible treatment option for IBS management.
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