Could Behavioural Therapies Be the Key to Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
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Synopsis
Discover how behavioural therapies are reshaping the treatment landscape for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A recent study reveals their potential effectiveness, suggesting that these innovative approaches could offer new hope for the millions affected by this challenging condition.
Key Takeaways
- Behavioural therapies can be effective for IBS.
- CBT and GDH show promise in symptom management.
- Current treatments often provide limited relief.
- Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
- Understanding individual patient needs is essential for treatment.
New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) Behavioural therapies may offer a promising approach to managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an intestinal condition that leads to stomach pain, as revealed by a recent study released on Friday.
IBS impacts approximately 5% of the global population and is marked by abdominal discomfort and fluctuations in bowel habits.
Currently, there is no definitive cure; treatments like dietary adjustments and medications often yield only limited symptom relief. As a result, medical guidelines suggest exploring behavioural therapies as a viable option.
The research, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, indicated that brain-gut behaviour therapies, including forms of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH), can deliver positive outcomes.
“This study underscores the potential of brain-gut behavioural therapies, such as CBT and GDH, as effective management strategies for IBS,” stated Prof Alexander C Ford, the lead author from the University of Leeds, UK.
CBT assists patients in altering their thoughts and actions to better manage and accept their symptoms, while gut-directed hypnotherapy induces a trance-like state where individuals receive suggestions for symptom improvement.
“Nevertheless, confidence in the effectiveness of behavioural therapies outside of brain-gut methodologies is currently limited,” Ford added.
This encompasses therapies like contingency management, which employs rewards to encourage desired behaviours, and various stress-reduction techniques, according to the researchers.
This extensive study, which included participation from experts in Canada and the US, expands upon a prior 2020 meta-analysis and integrates data from 67 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 7,441 participants.
The review assessed the efficacy of behavioural therapies against several controls, such as educational resources, dietary guidance, and routine care, in addition to comparing the therapies against one another.
CBT and gut-directed hypnotherapy—administered in-person or through apps and online platforms—were reported to outperform standard treatment options based on participants’ self-assessment of their symptoms before and after.
The researchers called for further, more comprehensive RCTs to validate the effectiveness of various behavioural therapies and to determine which patients might benefit most from them.
Point of View
It's evident that the exploration of behavioural therapies for IBS opens new avenues for treatment. While traditional methods offer limited relief, the potential of innovative therapies deserves a thorough investigation. This aligns with our commitment to delivering trustworthy and informative health news to our readers.
NationPress
10/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal condition characterized by abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits.
How can behavioural therapies help with IBS?
Behavioural therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH), can help manage symptoms by altering thought patterns and encouraging positive behaviours.
Are there any side effects of behavioural therapies?
Generally, behavioural therapies have fewer side effects compared to medication, but individual experiences may vary.
Is there a cure for IBS?
Currently, there is no cure for IBS, but various treatments, including behavioural therapies, can help alleviate symptoms.
What does the latest research say about IBS treatments?
Recent studies indicate that behavioural therapies may be more effective than standard treatments for managing IBS symptoms.
