Positive Health Online

Abstract

PALSSON and co-workers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7080, USA, investigated the mechanism of action of hypnotherapy in the treatment of IBS and its effects on symptoms.

Background

Hypnosis improves Irritable Bowels Syndrome (IBS) but the mechanism of action is unknown. In two studies, possible physiological and psychological mechanisms were investigated.

Methodology

Patients with severe IBS were given seven biweekly hypnosis sessions and used hypnosis audiotapes at home. Rectal pain thresholds and smooth muscle tone were measured with a barostat before and after treatment in 18 patients (study 1), and changes in heart rate, blood pressure, skin conductance, finger temperature, and forehead electromyographic activity were assessed in 24 patients (study 2). Somatization, anxiety, and depression were measured.

Results

All IBS symptoms improved substantially in both studies. Rectal pain thresholds, rectal smooth muscle tone, and autonomic functioning remained unchanged in the study. However somatization and psychological distress showed large decreases.

Conclusion

The study suggests that hypnosis improves IBS by reducing psychological distress. The improvements were found to be unrelated to changes in the physiological parameters measured.

References

Palsson OS, Turner MJ, Johnson DA, Burnelt CK, Whitehead WE. Hypnosis treatment for severe irritable bowel syndrome: investigation of mechanism and effects on symptoms. Digestive Diseases and Sciences 47 (11): 2605-2614, Nov 2002.