Irritable Bowel Syndrome’ (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

“It’s not enough to stitch up a wound so it LOOKs pretty, if you haven’t cleaned out the debris and bacteria first”

IBS is a non-specific inflammatory condition of the large bowel, of indeterminate cause and duration, variously persisting from months to years, characterised by some, or all, of the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain and discomfort;

• Indigestion;
• Bloating, Cramping and Gas;
• Changes in bowel habits;
• Diarrhoea/Constipation;
• Mucus in stool.

Whilst a definitive cause(s) for IBS has yet to be established, most commentators agree, that stress is likely to be a key factor in triggering the onset of this sometimes-debilitating condition.

Given the likely psychological root of IBS, isn’t it logical that a psychologically based response is the best way to manage the condition.

At Smart Thinking we’re dedicated to helping our clients take control, and, live the life they deserve. By taking a holistic approach, our aim is to identify the root cause/trigger, to affect a positive and lasting outcome.

Possible treatments

Although drugs and dietary approaches can help in the management of IBS, unfortunately, they do not presently offer a long-term cure.

However, by using the resources already present in the unconscious mind, psychological therapies like Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Clinical Hypnotherapy (or a combination thereof) have been shown to offer an effective and rapid way of addressing the issue.

In short, if the root psychological cause can be identified, reframed and/or neutralised, the stress triggers leading to IBS, can be reduced to a manageable level, if not eliminated entirely.

Take back control and Call us today:-  0467 961 919

Research

• Whorell P, Prior A, Faragher E. Controlled trial of Hypnotherapy in the treatment of severe refractory irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet 1984; 324: 1232-4

• Peters S, Muir J, Gibson P. Review article: Gut-directed hypnotherapy in the management of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Aliment Pharm Ther. 2015: 41: 1104-15

• Peters S, Yao CK, Philpott H, Yelland GW, Muir JG, Gibson PR. Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharm Ther 2016; 44:447-59

• Moss-Morris R, McAlpine L, Didsbury L, Spence M. A randomised controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural therapy based self-management intervention for irritable bowel syndrome in primary care. Psychol Med 2010; 40: 85-94