Hypnotherapy in Pediatric Gastroenterology
Arine M. Vlieger, Amit Assa, Osvaldo Borrelli, Ilse Broekaert, Marco Deganello Saccomani, Jernej Dolinšek, Javier‐Martin Carpi de, Emmanuel Mas, Erasmo Miele, Mike Thomson, Christos Tzivinikos, Marc A. Benninga
Abstract
In several countries, gut-directed hypnotherapy is becoming an established and evidence-based treatment in pediatric gastroenterology. This article describes what hypnotherapy is, offers an overview of its effect in gut-brain disorders and explains its potential mode of action. Moreover, the use of hypnotherapy in other areas of pediatric gastroenterology, as a supportive tool to reduce pain, stress, depression, and anxiety and improve quality of life, will be also discussed. Guidance toward implementing hypnotherapy in clinical practice is provided, including examples of how you can explain hypnosis to patients with gastroenterological symptoms.