Comparison of Digitally Delivered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Program With an Active Control for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (The American Journal of Gastroenterology)

A randomized controlled trial comparing a digitally delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy (GDH) program (Nerva) to an active control found that GDH significantly improved IBS symptoms and quality of life. Among 240 participants, 81% of those using the GDH program experienced a ≥50-point decrease in IBS symptom severity compared to 63% in the control group (P = 0.002). GDH also led to a greater reduction in pain (71% vs. 35%, P < 0.001) and quality-of-life improvements (P < 0.001). These findings support digital GDH as an effective and accessible alternative to in-person behavioral interventions for IBS management.