A multicenter randomized controlled trial in the Netherlands showed that both individual and group hypnotherapy were effective in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Between May 31, 2011, and April 6, 2016, 354 patients with IBS (aged 18–65 years) were randomly allocated (3:3:1) to three groups to receive six sessions of individual or group hypnotherapy or group educational supportive therapy (control group). In the intention-to-treat analysis, hypnotherapy was more effective than control at 3 months (odds ratio 2·9) and 12 months (2·8). In the per-protocol analysis, 49·9% in the individual hypnotherapy group and 42·7% in the group hypnotherapy group had adequate relief at 3 months, and 55·5% of individual and 51·7% of group hypnotherapy patients reported adequate relief at 12 months. Group hypnotherapy was therefore non-inferior to individual hypnotherapy. The hypnotic sessions involved positive visualization to give patients suggestions for gaining control over their digestive system to reduce feelings of pain and discomfort. Patients were also given a homework CD for practicing self-hypnosis exercises at home for 15-20 minutes daily. Although hypnotherapy improved patients’ ability to cope with symptoms, it did not substantially reduce symptom severity scores. The findings suggest hypnotherapy should be considered for all patients with IBS, especially for patients with more psychological complaints. Source: https://www.thelancet.com/
