Unanswered Questions
Aside from uncertainty about the mechanisms of effect of gut-directed hypnotherapy, questions also remain concerning whether hypnotherapy is superior to other forms of psychological therapy. Benefits have been reported with cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and psychodynamic therapies, but no side-by-side comparisons have been done, according to Olafur S. Palsson, Psy.D., of the North Carolina group (Gastroenterology 2002;123:2132–5). Furthermore, data are lacking on using hypnotherapy as adjunctive therapy with medications such as antidepressants and the 5-HT modulators.