Another option for IBS

If you have chronic irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you have likely tried countless over-the-counter supplements and prescription medicines in an effort to relieve your symptoms – abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation.

IBS sufferers commonly report that these medicinal concoctions may work temporarily, but, inevitably, the symptoms return with no warning or explanation, leaving them with a dismal sense of helplessness over their physical condition.

Besides medicine, other options for relief are available. In addition to altering your diet and lifestyle, you might also consider hypnosis, another credible option that has reportedly brought about long-lasting relief from the horrible, unpredictable pangs of IBS. Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH), developed in 1984 by a doctor of the University of South Manchester, is a specific type of hypnosis that targets, as its name suggests, tension and internal stress located within the gut. The objective of GDH is to uproot and restructure your ingrained, subconscious response patterns that are destructive to the normal functioning of the digestive tract. GDH explores your internal stress management system, restoring it so that it no longer wreaks havoc on your GI tract.

A professor of medical psychology at UCLA and the Greater Los Angeles VA Hospital and co-director of the Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women’s Health, asserts that GDH "has the potential to be a particularly powerful technique".

However, GDH is not an appropriate, infallible option for every IBS sufferer. It is "one of a number of psychological techniques" for potentially relieving the symptoms of IBS and some other GI disorders.

General counseling and focused behavior therapy are other proven options that can guide IBS sufferers toward an awareness of issues or situations that trigger symptoms. Though a person might not appear or even feel stressed, normal stress and tension are often channeled through the brain-gut connection, which is why psychotherapy with or without GDH can be effective in allaying symptoms of IBS. Doctor's opinion is that IBS sufferers should explore psychological treatment options before even trying prescription medication, as the former offers more promise for long-lasting relief. Because psychotherapy, GDH inclusive, is a drug-free, non-additive treatment option, there are no bothersome side effects to cast a shadow on potential victory over IBS. Whether you opt for counseling, medication, GDH or a combination of these is your personal choice after consulting with your physician. Determine which option you feel is most appropriate for your condition, and experiment with different techniques until you find a treatment approach that is successful for you.

Finding a trained, licensed, competent professional to offer psychotherapy, particularly GDH, could be that most challenging component to this treatment option. Professional associations offer information about training credentials but little in the way of information for assessing a therapist’s competence in dealing with gut-related issues.

We suggest seeking referrals from your gastroenterologist, fellow IBS sufferers, a reputable therapist or a local research center for IBS. Once you find an appropriate professional, however, you could be well on your way to a symptom-free life.