Comparison of Effects Between Gut Directed Hypnotherapy Provided Either Individually or in a Group Setting for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) a Randomized Controlled Study.

Patients' fulfilling Rome III criteria for IBS with symptoms refractory to standard treatment who are referred to a specialist unit for hypnotherapy are consecutively included in the study. Firstly, the patients are invited to a meeting with the nurse for information about the study, check for eligibility and to sign the written informed consent. Exclusion criteria that could influence GI symptoms such as organic GI disease, severe psychiatric comorbidity and pregnancy are controlled for. The patients are randomized to either individual or group treatment given by a nurse trained in hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. The randomization is organized and performed in blocks by an external unit connected to the University in order to be accurate. The treatment consists of eight sessions of gut directed hypnotherapy during twelve weeks. A standardized protocol is used and is the same both in the group setting as well as in the individual treatment arm. In each group approximately eight patients are included. Every session lasts for one hour. Outcome measures in the study are GI symptom severity, GI-specific anxiety, psychological distress and health related quality of life. These effects are measured by validated questionnaires at baseline and at various time points during the treatment period as well as after the completion of the treatment and during the 6 months-, 1 and 2 year follow-up.