Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects 10% of the population at any given time and 40% over a lifetime. The condition is characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation and bloating and can significantly impact quality of life and wellbeing. There is currently no single known cause of IBS and treatment is currently limited to managing symptoms of the condition.
Since the 1980s, a significant body of research has convincingly shown that a multi-disciplinary approach aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving overall wellbeing is most efficacious in reducing symptoms for sufferers. Common treatment approaches to IBS include pharmacological intervention, dietary changes and psychological intervention.
The Functional Gut Centre treats patients with IBS in Brisbane using evidence-based strategies to find a tailored approach to improving symptoms. For each patient/client, this will include advice on:
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Gut-directed hypnotherapy;
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Cognitive behavioural therapy;
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Nutrition and diet; and
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Lifestyle changes, including stress reduction techniques and movement and sleep strategies
Functional Bloating & Abdominal Pain
Functional bloating refers to the sensation of abdominal distention or fullness without any evidence of underlying organic disease. It may be triggered by gastrointestinal disorders, dietary intolerances or psychological disorders and stress. Pain and discomfort from bloating can significantly impact psychological well being.
Abdominal pain involves pain from inside the abdomen and may be experienced in association with various gastrointestinal conditions or as a primary symptom of functional disorders. Abdominal pain may be caused by a variety of factors including altered gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, psychological stress and disturbances in gut microbiota. The pain can be significant, unpredictable and severely impact quality of life.
Treatment for functional bloating and abdominal pain involves a multifaceted approach tailored to address the underlying causes and alleviate symptoms. Recent research has found that a combination of dietary interventions, stress management techniques, cognitive behavioural therapy and gut-directed hypnotherapy can reduce symptoms and address psychological components that contribute to symptoms.
Functional Dyspepsia
Functional dyspepsia is characterised by recurring upper abdominal discomfort or pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as early satiety, bloating and nausea, without any apparent organic cause. It is estimated to affect approximately 10-15% of Australians at any given time.
In recent decades, research has explored hypnotherapy as a means of managing symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Hypnotherapy plays a significant role in managing the condition by addressing the complex interplay between psychological factors and gastrointestinal symptoms. Gut-directed hypnotherapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to symptom management by targeting the underlying psychological contributors, such as stress, anxiety, and maladaptive thought patterns, which can exacerbate dyspeptic symptoms.
Research indicates that visualisation, guided relaxation and gut-specific suggestions may reduce stress, module visceral sensitivity and promote gastric motility and function. Individuals with functional dyspepsia can use gut-directed hypnotherapy to regain control over their symptoms and improve their quality of life and also adopt healthier lifestyle behaviours that support digestive wellness.
Constipation & Diarrhoea
Functional constipation and functional diarrhoea are characterised by chronic or recurrent symptoms without identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. Functional constipation is marked by symptoms such as straining during bowel movements, infrequent or difficult passage of stools, and a sensation of incomplete evacuation, while functional diarrhoea involves frequent loose or watery stools without other concerning features. While neither condition may have a clear underlying cause, functional constipation and functional diarrhoea can impact every area of an individual's daily life, causing significant pain, distress and interruption.
Research indicates that a comprehensive approach to management of these conditions may have the best outcomes, including dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, behavioural therapies and psychological interventions, including gut-directed hypnotherapy. Collectively, these therapies may work on the brain-cut axis to reduce the frequency and severity of constipation and diarrhoea and improve psychological functioning and wellbeing. (2) The Functional Gut Centre works within these areas of expertise to optimise client outcomes.