If the results across a range of diagnostic exams and tests are negative – that is, your digestive tract appears perfectly normal, then your doctor (or gastroenterologist) will use the Rome IV criteria to diagnose for IBS.

The Xmas and New Year period is a time of year when for many people there is a lot to eat and drink and a greater variety of foods than they would normally choose to eat. If you are experiencing IBS the risk is that you may eat or drink something that triggers an IBS flare up. As such I thought it would be timely, and helpful, to provide some information on what to do and not to do when it comes to food and drink.

GDH is so effective in the relief of IBS symptoms because unlike other GI treatments, it directly addresses the 'miscommunication' between the brain and gut which is one of the key factors that maintains IBS. In fact, IBS is now named a ‘disorder of the gut-brain interface.’

The delivery of Gut Directed Hypnotherapy (GDH) for IBS has traditionally been a one-to-one treatment. However, given its effectiveness, there has been a move to provide GDH to a wider audience and to achieve this through the use of group GDH programs. GDH delivered in a group setting is, for most people, as effective as individual treatment, providing long-term relief from a range of IBS symptoms and improving well-being.