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Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs), previously called functional GI disorders, are a group of conditions that involve impaired communication between the brain and gut. This disruption leads to digestive dysfunction.

DGBIs are common, occurring in more than 40% of adults and children. They include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which causes abdominal pain, cramping, gas, constipation, and diarrhea
• Functional dyspepsia, which causes stomach aches and bloating
• Functional constipation, which causes constipation that is not related to another medical condition
• Functional chest pain, which causes chest pain that has no other identifiable cause

Inflammatory bowel disease includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, two common autoimmune conditions of the digestive tract. They occur when your immune system attacks your GI tract, causing inflammation. Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss

The exact cause of IBD is unclear. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ think it is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors

Esophageal and motility disorders affect the muscular movements that move food through your GI tract. They can occur in any part of your GI tract, from your esophagus to your colon. Achalasia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastroparesis, and bowel obstruction are common examples.

Symptoms of esophageal and motility disorders can vary widely but may include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling a lump in your throat
• Heartburn or chest pain
• Regurgitation

Your pelvic floor contains muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Pelvic floor disorders include pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic floor dyssynergia, anal pain, and fecal incontinence. Common symptoms are:

• Difficulty with bowel movements or urination
• Pelvic pressure, heaviness, or pain
• Urinary or fecal leakage

CBT is one of the most common forms of psychotherapy. It centers on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviors. What you think and do affects the way you feel.

Originally created to treat depression, CBT has proven benefits for anxiety and chronic diseases. As a treatment for GI conditions, CBT directly targets brain-gut dysfunction and is effective in improving GI symptoms.

CBT focuses on managing unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and physiological responses that can worsen GI symptoms or contribute to stress and anxiety. During CBT, patients increase their awareness of unhelpful patterns and learn skills to respond to GI symptoms and stressors in more productive ways. This leads to improved symptoms and quality of life.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a form of medical hypnotherapy that can improve communication between your brain and gut. A trained practitioner performs hypnotherapy, helping you learn to reach a state of deep relaxation and heightened focus called trance.

Trance is a naturally occurring state in which your mind is more open to suggestions. This openness allows you to change how your brain thinks about and pays attention to symptoms. You are in complete control during hypnotherapy, and most people find it enjoyable and relaxing.

During hypnotherapy, your practitioner guides you through imagery, suggestion, and visualization exercises. The goal is to promote gut relaxation, reduce brain and gut sensitivity, and improve gut motility. We tailor sessions to your symptoms; over time, you learn the skill of self-hypnosis.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy can be highly effective for DGBIs, IBS, IBD, and certain esophageal and motility disorders. It offers a noninvasive, drug-free therapeutic option for long-lasting symptom relief.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based form of CBT. ACT encourages mindfulness, acceptance of thoughts and feelings, and the identification of personal values to guide behavior. This approach can help you develop psychological flexibility and resilience in the face of GI symptoms, stress, and uncertainty.

Through ACT, you learn to:

• Observe your thoughts, symptoms, and emotions without judgment
• Develop a greater understanding of the mind-body connection
• Engage in actions that align with your values and goals

By committing to values-based behaviors, ACT helps you live a more meaningful life, even with a chronic GI condition. As a gut-brain behavior therapy, ACT helps you increase flexibility and resilience in the face of GI symptoms and associated stressors.

Mindfulness is an awareness of the present moment without judging or trying to control the situation. Mindfulness-based approaches help you learn to observe and respond to your experiences (bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions) in a more compassionate way.

Research shows many benefits of mindfulness, including improved IBS symptoms, enhanced quality of life in IBD, and reduced stress, depression, and anxiety. We offer several types of mindfulness-based interventions, including:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Body scan exercises
• Mindful eating practices
• Mindful movement techniques

Many chronic GI conditions are stress-sensitive, meaning stress can worsen symptoms. Living with a chronic GI condition can also be stressful and disruptive.

Stress resilience and relaxation techniques help you learn how to change your physical and mental responses to stress. By responding to stress more positively, you can improve your digestive health.

Techniques may include:

• Breathing exercises
• Guided imagery
• Positive mindsets
• Progressive muscle relaxation

Your digestive health is closely linked to your overall health. If we feel you could benefit from seeing a different specialist, we may refer you to another ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ clinic, such as:

• Gastrointestinal (GI) Pain Clinic
• Sleep Medicine Center