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Research: HOUGHTON et al., Depar
Listed in Issue 86
Abstract
HOUGHTON et al., Department of Medicine, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester M20 2LR, UK, lahoughton@man.ac.uk, studied visceral sensation and emotion using hypnosis .
Background
The authors have previously shown that both anger and excitement, when hypnotically induced, increased colonic motility, while happiness reduced i t. This study investigates the effect of hypnotically induced emotions on rectal sensitivity in patients with irritable bowels syndrome (IBS).
Methodology
Sensory responses to balloon distension of the rectum were assessed in 20 patients with IBS . Patients were studied on 4 occasions either awake or in hypnosis, during which anger, happiness, or relaxation (neutral emotion) were induced .
Results
Hypnotic relaxation increased the distension volume required to produce discomfort while anger reduced it. Happiness did not further alter sensitivity from that observed during relaxation .
Conclusion
The study emphasizes how awareness of the emotional state of a patient is important when either measuring visceral sensitivity or treating IBS .
References
Houghton LA, Calvert EL, Jackson NA, Cooper P, Whorwell PJ, et al. Visceral sensation and emotion: a study using hypnosis. Gut 51 (5): 701-704, Nov 2002.
