A Pilot Study Using Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Hospitalized Patients

A Pilot Study Using Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for Hospitalized Patients

The purpose of the study is to compare the effectiveness of recorded gut-directed hypnosis to an educational recording in people with chronic problems in their gastrointestinal (GI) system. Patients who are hospitalized at Stanford Hospital for worsening pain and/or nausea will be considered for enrollment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults admitted to the GI inpatient service with expected length of stay >24 hours
• Prior diagnosis of a disorder of gut-brain interaction, esophageal disorder, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Reason for hospitalization related to symptom management for exacerbation of visceral pain and/or nausea.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently using hypnosis
• severe developmental delay or cognitive impairment
• serious mental illness (i.e. psychosis or dissociation)
• hearing impairment
• Non-English speaking
• enrolled in another trial for GI symptom management
• admitted for GI procedure