More research on IBS

DESIGN: Systematic review of literature

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature evaluating hypnotherapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

INTERVENTIONS: Electronic databases were searched, bibliographic references scanned and main authors contacted, with no restrictions on language or publication year. Studies which were eligible for the review involved adults with IBS using single-component hypnotherapy.

RESULTS: 299 references were identified, 20 studies and two case series were eligible, including four randomised, two controlled and 12 uncontrolled studies, which demonstrated that hypnotherapy is effective in IBS management, but the numbers of subjects in each study were small. Only one trial scored more than four out of eight on internal validity.

CONCLUSIONS: The published evidence suggests that hypnotherapy is effective in the management of IBS, with 10 of 18 trials indicating a significant benefit. A good quality randomized placebo-controlled trial is required, suggesting that at present, treatment with hypnosis should be restricted to specialist centres caring for the more severe forms of the disorder

SOURCE: Alimentary Pharmacology Therapeutics. 2006 Sep 1;24(5):769-80