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While there are many causes of IBS, most people suffering from the condition demonstrate brain-gut dysregulation.1 Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) is a verbal intervention encouraging focused attention and deep relaxation during which the mind is more receptive to therapeutic suggestions.2 These suggestions help address hyper-vigilance and attentional bias and allow the re-interpretation of visceral signals from the gut as routine and unimportant.3
The imagery, metaphors, and suggestions used in gut-directed hypnotherapy are specifically tailored to address patients’ GI symptoms, which can result in reduced pain sensitivity in the bowels, normalized motility, reduced stress reactivity in the body, and increased overall sense of well-being.2
The most studied behavioural therapies for IBS are gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).2 While CBT involves the effort to change thinking and behaviour patterns, GDH requires no conscious behavioural changes.4,5
Access to trained clinical hypnotherapists has been the major barrier to widespread use of behavioral therapies like GDH in the treatment of IBS.3
Few clinicians are trained to administer the modality and many patients live far from a gastropsychologist.6
Consider a safe and effective non-pharmacological option.2,9,10
Go to referrals.regulora.ca to enter a referral for your patient.
Get answers to questions your patients may ask
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Regulora® is a digital therapeutic intended to provide behavioral therapy through gut-directed hypnotherapy for adults who have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Regulora is indicated as a 3-month treatment for patients with abdominal pain due to IBS and is intended to be used together with other IBS treatments. Regulora is intended for patients who speak and read English. Regulora may not be appropriate for patients with mental or physical impairment that would prevent interacting with a mobile video application. Regulora may not be appropriate for patients with evidence of intestinal illness that better explains IBS symptoms such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. Regulora should not be used in lieu of your current IBS medication or therapy. In a clinical trial of Regulora, side effects were low. About 1% of patients experienced abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, or headache which was thought to be related to using Regulora.
References:
1. Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44.
2. The Rome Foundation. Brain-Gut Psychotherapy Referral Guide. Accessed July 29, 2022. https://theromefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/Rome-Foundation_GastroPsych-referral-project.pdf
3. Chey WD, Keefer L, Whelan K, Gibson PR. Behavioral and Diet Therapies in Integrated Care for Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(1):47-62.
4. Palsson OS, Whitehead WE. Psychological treatments in functional gastrointestinal disorders: a primer for the gastroenterologist. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2013;11(3):208-216.
5. Palsson OS. Standardized hypnosis treatment for irritable bowel syndrome: the North Carolina Protocol. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2006;54(1):51-64.
6. Riehl ME. The Emerging Role of Brain-Gut Therapies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2018;14(7):436-438.
7. Peters SL, Yao CK, Philpott H, Yelland GW, Muir JG, Gibson PR. Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016;44:447-459.
8. Palsson OS. Hypnosis and IBS. American Society of Clinical Hypnosis Workshop presentation. August 22, 2020.
9. Regulora® Instructions for Use for Patients and Physicians. metaMe Health, Inc.; April 2022.
10. Miller V, Carruthers HR, Morris J, Hasan SS, Archbold S, Whorwell PJ. Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: an audit of one thousand adult patients. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;41(9):844-855.
