Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a
heterogeneous condition with varying severity and symptomology. At least one
in four of the general population is affected at some time in their lives
(Jones 1992, Harvey 1983, Cook 1987). Despite the condition being classed as
‘non-serious’, it has serious cost implications to the UK National Health
Service and Health Insurance Providers throughout the world, due to frequent
presentations to general practitioners, hospital physicians and other
specialist services (Talley 1995). The diagnosis is often reached by
exclusion of diagnosable physical abnormalities and organic disease (Latimer
1983). But according the World Health Organization (1979), “health, which is
a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity, is a fundamental human right”
As a clinical hypnotherapist I have taken great interest in the management of
this disorder as I have experienced the distress and frustration this client
group feel in the search for relief from symptoms which have a severe impact
on their lifestyle. With conventional medical treatment being of little
proven benefit (Houghton 1996) there is a need to look beyond treating the
symptoms to addressing the cause. In the holistic view of illness, physical
disease is only one of several manifestations of basic imbalance of the
organism, other manifestations may take the form of psychological and social
pathologies (Capra 1983 p131).
The fact is that holistic approach to medical and psychological care is
required in the management of IBS, but that the psychological aspect is not
universally accepted by the medical profession or the client group with
clients feeling there is a stigma attached to this aspect of care. As a
clinical Hypnotherapist I have an impact on these management issues as
facilitator addressing the human response to this disorder, whereas physicians
address the treatment of the disorder.
AEITIOLOGY
IBS is an extremely common digestive disorder accounting for up to 50% of all
cases seen by gastroenterologists (Harvey 1983). Of those that present in
western society women outnumber men 4:1.
PATHOGENESIS
IBS is defined as a “functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain is
associated with defecation or change in bowel habit, and with features of
disordered defecation and with distension (Thompson et al 1992). However
there is multiple symptomology that is associated with this complex disorder
which is not always mentioned in standard textbooks. Upper gastroenterology
symptoms including nausea, vomiting, early satiety are common (Farthing
1995). Extra bowel manifestations include urological symptoms (Jones 1992),
fatigue backache, headache and gynaecological symptoms (Longstreth 1995) often
precipitating multiple specialist referrals to exclude organic cause. Many
women undergo diagnostic laparoscopy or even hysterectomy (Langstreth 1995).
Inappropriate surgery in the form of cholecystectomy and appendectomy has
also been reported.
Many suggestions are made as to on setting causes of IBS such as stress
factors, enteric infection or surgical intervention all of which have been
found to increase visceral hypersensitivity. Even antibiotics, or trauma
have been suggested as triggers.
THE USE OF HYPNOTHERAPY
The medical profession cannot be
sure of the causes, nor have they suitable treatment for the condition, new
drugs which may be effective in some individuals are mainly prohibitively
expensive for sufferers. Hypnotherapy in the UK and elsewhere has been shown
to help in the vast majority of cases of IBS sufferers. The writer is aware
of at least one hospital gastroenterology department with its own hypnotherapy
team alongside.
Hypnotherapy is non intrusive, safe,
comfortable and a cost effective and complementary to use along side
mainstream medicine, some in the profession would in this case argue
‘alternative’ since the medical profession are generally at a loss with this
condition. Having conducted a private medical research project at the
invitation of a medical centre, and subsequently private patient trails in
specifically designed hypnotherapy processes, the IBS Audio Program 100™
www.ibscds.com is now used by sufferers
in over 37 countries and is gut specific©
As a specialist in this area, the
understanding that sufferers have the need for understanding, and an
empathetic approach is clear. Sufferers who consider hypnotherapy currently
tend to do so as a ‘last resort’ rather than a first approach after
diagnosis. The medical profession are becoming more aware of the benefits of
hypnotherapy. As a medical centre based practitioner my hypnotherapy
practices receives referrals from general practitioners, gastroenterologists
and specialist gastro nurses.
Just dealing with the symptoms of IBS is not
enough, the individual has to learn to rebuild internal energy, many sufferers
feel drained emotionally, life issues and responsibilities continue to deplete
inner emotional strength, leading in some cases to anxiety or even some forms
of depression. Before the sufferer even thinks of working through the IBS,
they invariably need an emotional ‘top up’, they need their batteries charged,
after perhaps years of pain and discomfort, of being told by various medical
professionals that there is nothing that can be done, even though intrusive
and sometimes painful examinations have been undergone, many sufferers feel
emotionally drained. Work and family relationships can be eroded and
strained, social life and love life can be virtually non-existent,
concentration and recall, may be almost impossible compared to how it used to
be, confidence and self esteem of the individual is often very low, and the
ability to see things in perspective is greatly reduced. Therefore to tell a
sufferer that they must do this or that, without preparing for the journey is
almost certain failure.
Hypnotherapy, when conducted correctly can
increase self-esteem, confidence, and allow the sufferer to begin a journey of
self improvement and management, by changing their thoughts, changing negative
thoughts and feelings for positive ones and thereby equip themselves
emotionally to move away from the symptoms and thoughts of IBS and begin
moving forward, a journey that many sufferers have or are taking at this
moment, with positive changes. It is important to mention that IBS is a
complicated condition affecting both mind and body. Like all conditions IBS
should only be treated by therapists who have a clear understanding of the
presenting condition.
© 2000 Michael Mahoney
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Michael Mahoney
is a medical centre based clinical
Hypnotherapist who has been in practice since 1986. He is principle trainer
of the Register of IBS Therapists, and an associate member of the Primary Care
Society for Gastroenterology. For more information about hypnotherapy and the
IBS Audio Program 100visit his web site at
http://www.ibsaudioprogram100.com Michael
runs IBS workshops in the UK / Ireland and from 2007 plans to do so in the
USA. Contact
timelineservices@aol.com for details.
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