Irritable Bowel Syndrome Hypnotherapy

Outcome Effectiveness Predictors of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Hypnotherapy

The primary goal of the study was whether gut focused hypnotherapy, in a group format, was successful in reduction of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. The secondary goal was to see if any outcome predictors could be determined.

Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome entering a group hypnotherapy program are asked to complete a series of questionnaires at the outset, and repeat a symptom severity scale at intervals over the one year period after termination of treatment. Eligibility was limited to patients with age greater than 20.

Outcome measures were improvement in symptom score. Outcome predictors studied included quality of relationships, measured with a Quality of Relationship Inventory and attribution of IBS to physical or emotional cause, measured with a Mind-Body IBS Questionnaire, both administered before onset of hypnotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by Rome II criteria, age 20 and older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age below 20