This report captures the experiences of over 3,000 people living with IBS – a condition that affects an estimated 11% of the global population. Drawing on large-scale survey data, patient voices, and expert reflections from leading healthcare professionals, it surfaces key challenges in care and offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for clinicians. It reveals what patients are up against – and what they wish clinicians understood.
The data is clear: IBS is more than a digestive disorder. It’s a daily disruption, a mental burden, and an invisible battle – and clinicians are uniquely positioned to help patients regain control and improve their quality of life.
References:
Peters, S. L., Yao, C. K., Philpott, H., Yelland, G. W., Muir, J. G., & Gibson, P. R. (2016). Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of gut-directed hypnotherapy is similar to that of the low FODMAP diet for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 44(5), 447–459. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13706
Basnayake, C., Kamm, M. A., Stanley, M., Connor, S., Tan, W., & Morrison, M. (2020). Integrated multidisciplinary model of care in irritable bowel syndrome improves patient outcomes: A prospective study. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 35(11), 1905–1910. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.15132
Vasant, D. H., Paine, P. A., & Whorwell, P. J. (2019). Gut-directed hypnotherapy: A step closer to mainstream medicine. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 4(1), 16–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(18)30344-3
Anderson, E. J., Peters, S. L., Gibson, P. R., & Halmos, E. P. (2025). Comparison of Digitally Delivered Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Program With an Active Control for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The American journal of gastroenterology, 120(2), 440–448. https://doi.org/10.14309/ajg.0000000000002921
Peters SL, Gibson PR, Halmos EP. App-delivered gut-directed hypnotherapy halves the long-term costs associated with managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and improves work productivity. Presented at: Digestive Disease Week (DDW); May 2023; Chicago, IL.