A new study suggests that hypnotherapy delivered via Skype could be effective in treating severe irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Researchers at the University of Manchester evaluated 20 patients with IBS who received hypnotherapy via the online communications tool, Skype. The patients received 12 sessions of hypnotherapy in all, the first one being face-to-face, and the rest delivered through Skype.
Prior to therapy, 65 per cent of participants had severe IBS and the remaining 35 per cent had moderate IBS. The findings showed that following the Skype sessions, 25 per cent had severe IBS, 40 per cent moderate IBS and 35 per cent mild IBS. Substantial improvements were observed in IBS symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and bowel function. Additionally, improvements were also seen in other symptoms such as nausea, headaches, heartburn, low back pain, persistent lethargy, chest pain, bladder issues, anxiety, and depression.
Hypnotherapy is known to be an effective treatment for IBS refractory to other treatments; however, many patients cannot access it due to their inability to travel. Seventy-one per cent of participants in this study said they would not have been able to receive the treatment if not available on Skype.
Professor Peter Whorwell, the lead author, said: "Though some patients may need the occasional 'top up' from time to time, there is no reason to believe that the benefits of hypnotherapy delivered by Skype should not be sustained."
