Abstract

About 20% of people in the UK have functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.1^,2 These conditions account for about 4% of GP consultations3 and 50% of gastroenterologists' workload.4 For some, the symptoms affect quality of life and ability to work. Drug treatment aimed at relieving symptoms is often ineffective.5^,6 Other options include psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, brief psychotherapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy.7^,8 Here we discuss whether hypnotherapy has a role in the treatment of patients with irritable bowel syndrome or functional dyspepsia.