Positive Health Online

Abstract

TAN and colleagues, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA, tan.gabriel@med.va.gov, have reviewed (57 references) the efficacy and mechanism of action of hypnosis in IBS. Abstract: Despite its prevalence, there remains a significant lack of effective medical treatments for IBS to date. This paper reviews a total of 14 published studies involving a total of 644 patients on the efficacy of hypnosis in treating IBS (8 with no control group and 6 with a control group). It is concluded that hypnosis consistently produces significant results and improves the main symptoms of IBS in the majority of patients, as well as positively affecting non-colonic symptoms. When evaluated according to the efficacy guidelines of the Clinical Psychology Division of American Psychological Association, the use of hypnosis with IBS qualifies for the highest level of acceptance as being both effective and specific. In reviewing the research on the mechanism of action as to how hypnosis works to reduce symptoms of IBS, some evidence was found to support both physiological and psychological mechanisms of action.

Background

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Conclusion

References

Tan G, Hammond DC, Joseph G. Hypnosis and irritable bowel syndrome: a review of efficacy and mechanism of action. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 47 (3): 161-178, Jan 2005.