SKYPE HYPNOTHERAPY FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: Effectiveness and Comparison with Face-to-Face Treatment

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2019 Jan-Mar;67(1):69-80. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2019.1553766.

Abstract

Gut-focused hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome but is not widely available. This study assessed whether providing hypnotherapy by Skype might partially overcome this problem. Using a 50-point or more reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score as the primary outcome measure, 65% of subjects responded to Skype hypnotherapy with all other outcomes significantly improving. The primary outcome figure for face-to-face hypnotherapy was 76%. When other outcome scores for Skype and face-to-face treatment were compared, the mean changes were these: symptom severity (-94.1 vs. -129.2), noncolonic score (-52.3 vs. -64.8), quality of life (+56.4 vs. +66.2), anxiety (-3.3 vs. -3.0), depression (-1.7 vs. -2.5), and a 30% or more pain reduction (44% vs. 62%). Skype hypnotherapy is effective but slightly less so than face-to-face treatment. However, many patients would have been unable to access treatment without the Skype option.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis / methods*
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Telecommunications
  • Telemedicine / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome

Grants and funding

The study was supported by an internal grant from the UHSM Gastroenterology Research Fund [JF3 SW1].