Nerva, a mobile application of gut-directed hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: User characteristics, patterns of use, and predictors of persistence.

Background: Hypnotic intervention for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH), is an effective treatment for improving IBS symptoms with minimal burden and risk in delivery to patients. The Nerva app, developed by Mindset Health, shows promise for dissemination and implementation of evidence-based GDH intervention for IBS. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of Nerva app users, examine usage patterns, and explore potential factors associated with Nerva app usage. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data was conducted of 14,898 individuals who downloaded and used the Nerva app between January 2022 and September 2022. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests of independence were calculated to examine demographic/clinical characteristics, usage patterns, and their associations to program persistence. Simple linear regression models were used for correlations of GI symptoms severity scores to user persistence. Results: Users predominantly identified as female (77.2%; n = 11,503) and had a mean age of 38.59 years old (SD = 13.38). Thirty-one percent of users persisted with the program, and a small statistically significant association was found between Nerva app program persistence and age, χ2 (6, N = 6745) = 164.82, p < 0.001, V = .16. Conclusions: The present study found promising adherence rates for the Nerva app program within the first six weeks of use. Statistics in prevalence estimates of IBS agree with previous literature and significant associations were found between user/clinical characteristics and Nerva app program persistence.

The Use of Psychotherapy for Refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common yet debilitating and chronic condition that consists of disturbances in bowel habits and abdominal pain that is frequently relieved with defecation. While the first line of treatment for IBS is pharmacological treatment, this has been shown to fail, leading to the patient being classified as having refractory IBS. The quality of life (QOL) of these patients is greatly hindered; in this case, there are rarely moments of relief. Additional modalities of treatment have been employed in classical cases of IBS, such as psychotherapy, and research has started to evaluate its effectiveness with refractory IBS. Both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) are effective in treating classical IBS as they restructure and bring a state of meditation to the patient, allowing them to work through the symptoms. The question is whether it remains successful in refractory cases. This systematic review was conducted with strict adherence to PRISMA guidelines with an initial inquiry resulting in 28,978 publications through PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases. Through automatic and manual screening processes, articles that were peer-reviewed experimental or observation publications done between 2003 and 2023 were included in this study, resulting in 21 publications. Across all studies evaluating CBT, it was consistently found to be successful in improving symptom severity and frequency, QOL, and extracolonic symptoms such as anxiety and depression. When broken down into delivery methods, minimal contact CBT was found to be just as, if not superior, to standard contact. Within this, telephone-delivered CBT was superior to web-delivered CBT. GDH and biofeedback therapy were found to also significantly improve all domains of IBS with no difference between them. Acceptance and commitment therapy were found only to improve associated symptoms. However, there was no significant improvement in their QOL, whereas integrative group therapy found no significant improvement in any domain. Because IBS is so common and crippling to those affected, its crucial to continuously improve QOL through advancement in treatment modalities. Further research should focus more on other modes of therapy as success has been shown in standard therapeutic techniques.

Smartphone app-delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy improves symptoms of self-reported irritable bowel syndrome: A retrospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) has high rates of durable efficacy for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but its widespread use is limited due to high costs and poor access. A smartphone app delivering GDH was developed to fill gaps in accessibility but has not been assessed in IBS patients. The current retrospective evaluation aims to assess the efficacy of app-delivered GDH in managing IBS symptoms and to investigate associating factors that predict response. METHODS: Irritable bowel syndrome patients who downloaded the app between June 2019 and April 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. The first seven sessions were free. Daily GDH, psycho-education, and breathing exercises were included. Overall and individual gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed at baseline and completion using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Clinical data were extracted. KEY RESULTS: 2843 patients with self-reported IBS commenced the free sessions, 1428 (50%) purchased the app and 253 (9%) completed all 42 sessions. Outcome data were available for 190 users who completed all 42 sessions. 64% of patients who completed the GDH and provided outcome data responded (defined as >30% reduction in abdominal pain). Abdominal pain reduced from 60mm (50-73mm) at baseline to 26mm (13-50mm) on study completion (p<0.001 Wilcoxon). Similar results were seen for overall and individual symptoms. On multivariable analysis, symptom response was positively associated with being ≥ 40 years (estimated OR 0.398, p=0.025) and negatively associated with trying probiotics (0.323, p=0.042). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Adherence to app-delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy was low but users who completed the program saw notable improvements in their IBS symptoms. Patients ≥40 years, with symptoms for ≥5 years, may respond better. A controlled trial comparing face-to-face to app-delivered GDH is indicated.

Practical Approaches to Working with a Gastrointestinal Psychologist.

Integrated models of care for chronic digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are becoming the standard of care and require patients to have access to brain-gut behavior therapies. Further progress is needed to implement this approach across GI practice settings and will require gastroenterologists to build collaborative relationships with GI Psychologists. This review provides guidance on practical steps for integrating brain-gut behavior therapy into a GI practice, including guidance on assessing patients for their appropriateness for referral, effective communication strategies to recommend brain-gut behavior therapy, and tips on how to develop a referral pathway and successful collaboration with a GI Psychologist.

The clinical value of psycho-gastroenterological interventions for functional esophageal symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are associated with high symptom burden and poor quality of life. We evaluated the clinical value of multimodal therapy with psycho-gastroenterological interventions in patients with refractory functional symptoms. METHODS: Of 80 DGBI patients managed over a 12-month period, 26 patients undergoing multimodal therapy (median age 60.0 years, 73.1%F) were compared to 54 patients (median age 56.0 years, 68.5%F) managed using conventional approaches. Psycho-gastroenterological multimodal therapy was individualized and included relaxation training (diaphragmatic breathing, passive muscle relaxation) and gut-direct hypnotherapy/guided imagery. All patients completed documentation of symptom frequency and severity using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) and assessment of health-related quality of life (BEST score) before and following therapy. Data were analyzed to determine comparative change in symptom burden between the two cohorts. KEY RESULTS: Baseline demographics and symptom burden were similar between the two treatment subgroups. While patients improved with both multimodal and conventional therapies, BEST score demonstrated greater improvement with multimodal therapy (p = 0.03). Physician perception of symptom burden at baseline and on follow-up did not correspond to self-reported questionnaire data. On multivariable analysis, multimodal therapy (OR 7.9, 95% CI 1.8-34.6, p = 0.006) and functional esophageal disorders (OR 17.6, 95% CI 2.6-121.1, p = 0.004) predicted >50% improvement in BEST score, while the presence of psychiatric disease was a negative predictor (OR 0.22, CI 0.05-0.94, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Psychological intervention using multimodal therapy provides clinical value to the management of functional esophageal symptoms among patients refractory to conventional therapy.

A Rome Working Team Report on Brain-Gut Behavior Therapies for Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This Rome Foundation Working Team Report reflects the consensus of an international interdisciplinary team of experts regarding the use of behavioral interventions, specifically brain-gut behavior therapies (BGBTs), in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). METHODS: The committee members reviewed the extant scientific literature and, when possible, addressed gaps in this literature through the lens of their clinical and scientific expertise. The Delphi method was used to create consensus on the goals, structure, and framework before writing the report. The report is broken into 5 parts: 1) definition and evidence for BGBT, 2) the gut-brain axis as the mechanistic basis for BGBT, 3) targets of BGBTs, 4) common and unique therapeutic techniques seen in BGBT, and 5) who and how to refer for BGBT. RESULTS: We chose to not only review for the reader the 5 existing classes of BGBT and their evidence, but to connect DGBI-specific behavioral targets and techniques as they relate directly, or in some cases indirectly, to the gut-brain axis. In doing so, we expect to increase gastrointestinal providers' confidence in identifying and referring appropriate candidates for BGBT and to support clinical decision making for mental health professionals providing BGBT. CONCLUSIONS: Both gastrointestinal medical providers and behavioral health providers have an opportunity to optimize care for DGBIs through a collaborative integrated approach that begins with an effective patient-provider relationship, thoughtful communication about the brain-gut axis and, when appropriate, a well communicated referral to BGBT.

Brain-gut psychotherapies: Promising tools to address gastrointestinal problems in patients with eating disorders.

Gastrointestinal (GI) problems are common in individuals with eating disorders (EDs) and associated with distress, impairment, and increased healthcare utilization. GI symptoms may be exacerbated by meals and other interventions central to ED recovery thereby contributing to negative clinical outcomes. Informed by models emphasizing the role of the brain-gut axis in the expression of GI symptoms, this article describes a program of research to adapt "brain-gut psychotherapies" for EDs. First, the role of the brain-gut axis in GI symptoms is described, and evidence-based brain-gut psychotherapies are reviewed, with an emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy for GI disorders and gut-directed hypnotherapy. Next, future directions for research in EDs to (a) understand the impact of GI symptoms on illness course and outcome; (b) clarify target engagement; (c) evaluate brain-gut psychotherapies; and (d) optimize intervention reach and delivery are described. We present a conceptual model that emphasizes GI-specific anxiety and altered gut physiology as targets of brain-gut psychotherapies in EDs, and discuss several issues that need to be addressed in designing clinical trials to test these interventions. We also describe how engagement with multidisciplinary stakeholders and use of digital tools could speed translation from the laboratory to clinical settings.

Hypnotherapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Type Symptoms in Patients with Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients in remission have persisting symptoms, compatible with irritable bowel syndrome [IBS-type symptoms]. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of gut-directed hypnotherapy vs standard medical treatment [SMT] for IBS-type symptoms in IBD patients. METHODS: In this multicentre, randomized, controlled, open-label trial, patients aged 12-65 years with IBD in clinical remission [global assessment] and biochemical remission [faecal calprotectin ≤100 µg/g, or ≤200 µg/g without inflammation at endoscopy] with IBS according to Rome III criteria were randomized to hypnotherapy or SMT. Primary outcome was the proportion with ≥50% reduction on a visual analog scale for symptom severity, as measured with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System [IBS-SSS] at week 40 [i.e. 6 months after finishing the intervention], compared to baseline. Secondary outcomes included total IBS-SSS score, quality of life, adequate relief, IBS-related cognitions, and depression and anxiety scores. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included, of whom 70 received at least one session of the allocated treatment and were included in the modified intention-to-treat-population. Seven patients were excluded because of missing baseline data required for the primary outcome. The primary outcome was met in nine [27%] of 33 patients randomized to SMT and nine [30%] of 30 patients randomized to hypnotherapy [p = 0.81]. Adequate relief was reported in 60% and 40% of subjects, respectively. Exploratory analyses of secondary outcomes revealed no apparent differences between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hypnotherapy was not superior to SMT in the treatment of IBS-type symptoms in IBD patients. Both treatment strategies are reasonable options from a clinical perspective.

Practitioners' experiences of using Gut Directed Hypnosis for irritable bowel syndrome: Perceived impact upon client wellbeing: A qualitative study.

Gut Directed Hypnosis (GDH) is a specialised form of hypnotherapy originally developed to reduce gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition characterised by symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea and/or constipation as well as psychosocial symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Although the specific mechanism of action remains unclear, it is suggested that GDH works on the brain-gut axis to improve GI symptoms, psychological functioning and overall wellbeing. The present study aimed to expand upon the knowledge surrounding GDH by exploring practitioners' experiences of using GDH for IBS and their perceptions of how it impacts upon client wellbeing. Six practitioners trained in GDH participated in one hour semi-structured interviews. Thematic Analyses (TA) was used to analyse data. Three major themes emerged from data including: predisposing personality traits and vulnerabilities associated with IBS; GDH as evidence-based practice; and the future evolution of GDH. The findings from this study add to the growing body of literature exploring the use of GDH for IBS, by incorporating the perspective of practitioners working within this field.

Nuances of the psychogastroenterology patient: A predictive model for gastrointestinal quality of life improvement.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal conditions are multifactorial in nature, and certain patients can benefit greatly from brain-gut psychotherapies delivered by mental health professionals who specialize in psychogastroenterology. This study aimed to identify features associated with improvements in GI-specific quality of life scores following behavioral health interventions (BHI). The second aim was to create a psychogastroenterology referral care pathway incorporating identified characteristics for greatest benefit from GI-specific behavioral therapy. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 101 (63 women; median age, 45 years) gastroenterology patients referred for psychogastroenterology consultation at a single center. Patients attended an average of seven sessions with a single GI psychologist where evidence-based brain-gut psychotherapies were employed. GI-specific quality of life (IBS-QOL) and psychological distress (BSI-18) were assessed before and after BHI. Patients completed self-reported questionnaires. We performed a multivariable analysis to determine predictors associated with IBS-QOL score improvement. KEY RESULTS: A total of 53 (52.5%) patients experienced improvement in IBS-QOL score. Patients with improved IBS-QOL scores had significantly higher baseline BSI general domain T-scores (61.9 vs. 56.9, P = 0.002). Female gender (odds ratio [OR], 3.2), pretreatment BSI somatization T-score ≥63 (OR, 3.7), and a diagnosis of depression (OR, 4.2) were associated with greater odds of IBS-QOL score improvement following BHI. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: We identified factors associated with response to GI-specific BHI to aid in optimizing the utilization of psychogastroenterology services and provide referring providers with information to inform treatment recommendations. Female patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), high somatization, and depression should be considered a priority for brain-gut psychotherapies.

Best Practice Update: Incorporating Psychogastroenterology Into Management of Digestive Disorders.

Chronic digestive diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and inflammatory bowel diseases, cannot be disentangled from their psychological context-the substantial burden of these diseases is co-determined by symptom and disease severity and the ability of patients to cope with their symptoms without significant interruption to daily life. The growing field of psychogastroenterology focuses on the application of scientifically based psychological principles and techniques to the alleviation of digestive symptoms. In this Clinical Practice Update, we describe the structure and efficacy of 2 major classes of psychotherapy-cognitive behavior therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy. We focus on the impact of these brain-gut psychotherapies on gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as their ability to facilitate improved coping, resilience, and self-regulation. The importance of the gastroenterologist in the promotion of integrated psychological care cannot be overstated, and recommendations are provided on how to address psychological issues and make an effective referral for brain-gut psychotherapy in routine practice.

Pilot-RCT of an integrative group therapy for patients with refractory irritable bowel syndrome (ISRCTN02977330).

OBJECTIVE: Different forms of psychotherapeutic treatments have been proven effective in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but disorder-oriented and integrative concepts are still rare. Therefore, we implemented and evaluated an integrative group therapeutic concept within an interdisciplinary tertiary care clinic for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). AIMS: present our integrative group concept, assess feasibility issues, and evaluate efficacy. METHODS: A pilot-RCT with a randomized controlled wait-listed group design was conducted. The treatment concept was a disorder-oriented multicomponent group therapy (12 90-min weekly sessions) integrating interactive psychoeducation, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and open group phases. All patients received enhanced medical care and completed a short online diary as an active wait-listed control condition. INCLUSION CRITERIA: refractory IBS diagnosed as somatoform autonomic dysfunction of the lower gastrointestinal tract (SAD). PRIMARY OUTCOME: IBS symptom severity (IBS-SSS). RESULTS: Of 294 patients, 220 had IBS (ROME III), 144 were diagnosed as SAD (ICD-10), 51 were eligible regarding inclusion/exclusion criteria, and 30 consented to participate (group intervention: n=16, wait-listed control condition: n=14). Only 1 patient dropped out. Intention-to-treat-analysis with repeated-measures mixed ANOVA showed that the group intervention was not significantly superior to the wait-listed control condition. Nevertheless, the calculated effect size for the between-group difference in IBS-SSS at the end of treatment (post) was moderate (d=0.539). CONCLUSION: Our disorder-oriented integrative group intervention for IBS proved to be acceptable and feasible in an interdisciplinary tertiary care setting. There is promise in this intervention, but a larger RCT may be needed to investigate efficacy.

Nurse-Administered, Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy in IBS: Efficacy and Factors Predicting a Positive Response.

Hypnotherapy is an effective treatment in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is often delivered by a psychotherapist and is costly and time consuming. Nurse-administered hypnotherapy could increase availability and reduce costs. In this study the authors evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-administered, gut-directed hypnotherapy and identify factors predicting treatment outcome. Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Participants received hypnotherapy by a nurse once/week for 12 weeks. Patients reported marked improvement in gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-colonic symptoms after treatment, as well as a reduction in GI-specific anxiety, general anxiety, and depression. Fifty-eight percent were responders after the 12 weeks treatment period, and of these 82% had a favorable clinical response already at week 6. Women were more likely than men to respond favorably to the treatment. Nurse-administered hypnotherapy is an effective treatment for IBS. Being female and reporting a favorable response to treatment by week 6 predicted a positive treatment response at the end of the 12 weeks treatment period.