Studies have examined the role that two types of treatment involved in gastrointestinal psychotherapy can play in MII management: hypnotherapy led by intestine and cognitivo-behavioral (TCC) therapy.
Hypnotherapy directed in intestine
The first is hypnotherapy led in intestine. The psychologist GI brings you to a very deep relaxation state using suggestions, relaxation techniques and images, then asks you to imagine that you are free from abdominal pain and other discomfort.
Hypnosis led by the intestine can help reduce the response to the stress of the disease, to support better control over the stay in remission and to improve the recovery of surgery. However, doctors currently recommend this treatment more often to control irritable colon syndrome. Although it has been promising for the MII, it is not currently a standard recommendation for IBD management.
Cognitivo-behavioral therapy
The second tool is cognitivo-behavioral therapy (TCC), which helps the brain to perceive and react to the symptoms of the CU in the more positive and accepting way. By managing thought models and behaviors that can lead to anxiety, catastrophic thought and stress, CBT can reduce the severity and regularity of symptoms, improve quality of life and provide adaptation mechanisms.
This generally takes place during 6 to 12 sessions which extend over three to four months. However, brief treatments for specific problems with symptoms can start to show results even in just four sessions.
A small clinical trial revealed that more people receiving psychotherapy alongside standard medical therapy could remain in remission than those receiving medical therapy alone. They also had reduced depression compared to the control group.
Because the MII tends to pass out and calm down in the cycles, you may only need to see a gastrointestinal psychologist when your symptoms work. “If you live something very difficult, it’s probably a while for you to reconnect,” says Simons. It is also common to work with a gastrointestinal psychologist for a short period, then come back later – even years later – for particularly stressful periods.
How do you know if you should see a GI psychologist against a general psychologist? If your UC symptoms are the biggest cause of your stress, you may benefit the most from a gastrointestinal psychologist. If you feel more global stress, you may want to see a general psychologist. But you don’t have to see only one or the other. “Often people see both simultaneously,” says Simons.
Psychologists GI cannot write you a prescription, but they work closely with your other doctors and can let your primary care doctor know if you can be a candidate for antidepressant drugs, explains Simons.
A Psychologist GI does not replace your GI care team and work rather alongside gastroenterologists, dietitists and related practitioners to deal with the health of the whole body while managing your chronic state.
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