Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS is estimated to affect 10-20% of the population, and is estimated to account for 20% of the visits to General Practitioners.  These estimates, however, could be lower than reality as it is anticipated that many people do not present themselves to their GP for support with their IBS and instead choose to manage it themselves.

IBS is a chronic functional disorder of the gastrointestinal system, and is often a diagnosis of exclusion.  This process in itself can be arduous for someone suffering with the symptoms, which include: abdominal pain; bloating; and, changes in bowel movement patterns.

IBS can have a significant impact on the quality of life of the sufferer, often due to the fear of an unexpected bowel movement.

Hypnotherapy for IBS

It may seem odd that hypnotherapy can help IBS as it is a physical condition.  There are debates as to how it can help, but there is good evidence, including systematic-reviews, to demonstrate that it can benefit people with IBS.  My theory is that through hypnotherapy we can gain better control over the micro-muscle movements within the body, therefore regaining some control over the bowels.  It is possible to demonstrate how micro-muscles react to suggestions, and this would make sense to me.

The National Institute of Health & Care Excellence (NICE) have suggested the use of psychological interventions (CBT, hypnotherapy, and psychological therapies) for people who have tried pharmacological treatments for 12 months to no avail.

How to Better Manage Your IBS

The following are the NICE guidelines for management of IBS:

• maximise the benefits of leisure and relaxation times
• ensure you remain physically active - engage in physical activity
• instil a pattern of regular mealtimes
• do not avoid a meal
• drink plenty of water (8 cups at least)
• avoid caffeinated drinks - restrict to 3 cups a day and consider non-caffeinated alternatives
• reduce alcohol and fizzy drinks
• limit the intake of high-fibre foods (i.e. wholemeal bread & pasta, bran, and wholegrains such as brown rice)
• avoid processed foods, ready meals, and reheated meals
• avoid artificial sweeteners (they can have a laxative effect) - especially sorbitol
• manage bloating with oats and linseeds

NICE recommend engaging a specialist for support with changing eating and exercise behaviours, if required.

What doesn't work?

NICE have recommended that people who suffer from IBS avoid aloe vera products as they are not effective in treating IBS.  Furthermore, there is no evidence to demonstrate that acupuncture or reflexology benefit IBS, although you may derive some other benefits from reflexology or massage if you are stressed or tense.

What is the Treatment for IBS then?

As mentioned above, hypnotherapy can be effective for reducing the symptoms of someone with IBS.

The method I use has been shown to be effective in 80% of people who have engaged in the process.  It utilises a 7 session hypnotherapy programme, based upon the Manchester Protocol.  The Manchester Protocol was devised by Professor Whorwell at the University of Manchester and is a 12 session treatment plan.  The current treatment plan that I use is equally as effective, and is only 7 sessions, spread over a period of approximately 12 weeks.  Each week consists of hypnotherapy to control the bowel and ease the symptoms, plus at the second session you will be given a CD to take home and listen to each night for the duration of the programme.

This programme is only available from registered practitioners, such as qualified psychologists and other medical professionals who are also skilled in hypnotherapy.  

If you would like to make an appointment, or know someone who suffers with IBS and whom you feel may benefit, please share this post with them.

I look forward to hearing from you, and helping you to improve your quality of life.

Tim

Dr Tim Mahy
Chartered Psychologist
Health Psychologist