GUT-DIRECTED SELF-HYPNOSIS FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE PROTOCOL: COMPLIMENTARY PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR REMISSION AUGMENTATION, IBS-LIKE SYMPTOMS, AND SURGERY RECOVERY

Abstract

Abstract Background Gut-directed hypnosis (GDH) is a complimentary therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), that can be learnt by patients to practice self-hypnosis. GDH in IBD has augmented remission and improved inflammation. GDH has a history of successful use for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In IBD it may also improve IBS-like symptoms in remission and recovery from surgery. GDH is suitable for youth and adult IBD patients. In hypnosis, a relaxed state is inducted then suggestions to subconscious mind processes are made. In IBD, the mechanism of action of GDH is unknown but may influence the disease stress response. Aims Aims are the development of a GDH self-hypnosis protocol for IBD, with appropriate target symptoms. Patients first learn to practice with a clinician, then as complimentary psychotherapy for remission augmentation, IBS-like symptoms, and surgery recovery. Methods GDH is practiced first with a clinician, and then by patients as self-hypnosis (table 1). Patients receive psycho-education on GDH for IBD. Next, appropriate treatment goals are made, based on target symptoms. Relaxation techniques induce patient to a deeply relaxed state. Therapeutic suggestions specific to patient goals are given: verbal suggestions, visualizations, and post-hypnotic suggestions. Suggestions can focus on having a healthy digestive system, inflammation and symptoms reduction, and achievement and sustainment of remission. Patients emerge from hypnosis, are debriefed, and encouraged to practice ongoing self-hypnosis. Results In IBD, GDH self-hypnosis can be learnt from clinicians and practiced by patients as a complimentary therapy. Patients’ achievement and sustainment of remission, with clinical markers of inflammation can be monitored. Patients can monitor subjective improvement of IBS-like symptoms and post surgery, recovery progress can be monitored. Conclusions GDH has a history of use for IBS. In IBD, it has been shown to modulate remission, and may improve IBS-like symptoms, and in surgery recovery. The mechanism of action of GDH in IBD may influence the disease stress response. Clinicians trained in GDH are limited currently. Patients may learn GDH self- hypnosis to as a complimentary psychotherapy.