Gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS-C: evidence review
GDH evidence is thinner for constipation-predominant IBS than for the mixed/diarrhoea-heavy trial samples.
Last reviewed 27 August 2026
Constipation-predominant IBS (IBS-C) appears less often in the classic GDH samples. Some protocols excluded severe constipation. The honest grade here is C: plausible, under-powered as a subtype.
Key evidence
The hub Grade A is for IBS as studied: mostly mixed and diarrhoea-leaning cohorts. Flik 2014, and the Gut NMA do not give a robust, pre-specified IBS-C superiority analysis.
Limitations
Stool-frequency gains may lag pain gains. Severe slow-transit constipation is a different problem.
What we don't know yet
Whether GDH plus a dietitian or plus a constipation medicine beats either alone in IBS-C is open.
This page is informational only. It is not personal medical advice.
Reviewed by
Rebecca SmithDip.Clin.Hyp. Women's Health Specialist