One-time Hypnotic Age-regression Therapy for a Male Patient with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Diarrhea-type) : A Case Report

Abstract

Objectives (Background) : Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has been reported as effective in major Western countries. This case report introduces hypnotic age-regression therapy for a male patient with IBS diarrhea-type which has been affecting him for a year.

Subject : A 49-year-old male patient with IBS RomeⅣ criteria diarrhea type. He has been suffering from abdominal pain and diarrhea since elementary school, and recently has been experiencing abdominal pain 3 days per week and diarrhea almost daily. It is also notable that he lost his mother when he was 8 years old.

Method : The client undertook a 3 hour hypnotic age-regression therapy. During the session, he recalled memories before and after his mother’s death, and was guided to alter his cognition.

Results : After the session, the IBS condition improved. Psychological tests indicated a decrease in depression and anxiety scale and improvements in QOL, which has been continuing for a year since.

Conclusion : 1) Hypnotic age-regression therapy could be a better choice for patients who prefer short-time therapy. 2) This therapy could also be effective for those who did not respond to GDH and, 3) for those who were affected by trauma in their early life.