A significant amount of research indicates that hypnosis is an effective treatment for IBS. One of the main researchers in this area is Dr. Olaf Palsson, a licensed clinical psychologist who works at the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Palsson and his associates have put together a standardized seven-session hypnosis treatment protocol for IBS. According to Dr. Palsson’s web site, this treatment protocol has an 80% success rate for patients with chronic IBS.
What’s Involved:
The standardized protocol is a seven session treatment package. Patients are seen for hypnotherapy sessions once every two weeks for a total of 14 weeks. In each session, patients are given gut-directed hypnotherapy. This involves the induction of a trance state, followed by suggestions to enhance healthy digestive functioning and decrease pain. Each hypnotherapy session is recorded and patients are instructed to listen to the recorded tapes daily in between sessions.
How to Participate:
Dr. Palsson’s web site includes a list of qualified practitioners who have been trained to administer the treatment according to protocol guidelines. You would be responsible for reimbursing the hypnotherapist according to their going rate.
If you are interested in participating in the ongoing research efforts and give your consent, data will be collected regarding your response to treatment. Your hypnotherapist would then submit your data to Dr. Palsson and his associates.
My Bottom Line:
Too often patients think they just have to “live with it” when it comes to their IBS. Because of this pessimism, I am always happy to point patients in the direction of effective treatments. With a treatment success rate of 80% and few, if any, negative side effects, I say “Go for it!” I would also recommend that you choose the option of allowing your experience to become a part of the larger research efforts. In this way, you are not only enjoying the personal benefit of symptom reduction, but also helping to pave the way for others to have access to a treatment that really helps.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Prior to seeking this treatment, you should be evaluated by a medical doctor (if you haven't already) to make sure your diagnosis is indeed IBS. Although most gasteroenterologists would not recommend hypnosis as part of a standard treatment, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try it out -- the risks and side effects of this hypnosis are minimal.
For More Information:
Dr. Palsson’s web site: www.ibshypnosis.com
List of Protocol Trained Hypnotherapists
Related Reading from Dr. Bolen, Your IBS Guide:
Source:
Palsson, O., Turner, M., Johnson, D., Burnett, C., & Whitehead, W. "Hypnosis treatment of severe irritable bowel syndrome: Investigation of mechanism and effects on symptoms." Digestive Diseases and Sciences 2002 47: 2605-2614.
