Hypnotherapy using audio files for children with gut-brain interaction disorders in Sweden

Hypnotherapy With Audiofiles for Children and Adolescents With Disorders of Gut-brain Interactions in Sweden -a Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06493097

This study is testing whether listening to hypnotherapy audio files can help children and teens in Sweden with gut-brain interaction disorders feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT06493097 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study tests the feasibility and effectiveness of a new treatment approach involving hypnotherapy mediated through audio files for children and adolescents suffering from disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) in Sweden. The treatment protocol has been adapted from successful methods used in the Netherlands and aims to improve gastrointestinal symptoms through relaxation and imagery exercises. The study is designed as a feasibility assessment, paving the way for a larger randomized controlled trial to compare various psychological treatment options for this demographic. The approach is intended to be more accessible than traditional therapies, potentially reducing waiting times for patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children and adolescents diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, or functional dyspepsia who can understand Swedish.

Not a fit: Patients with other medical conditions that better explain their symptoms or those with significant psychiatric diagnoses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly increase access to effective, evidence-based therapies for children with gut-brain interaction disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in the Netherlands have shown promising results for gut-directed hypnotherapy, indicating potential success for this adapted approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis: irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, functional dyspepsia (following the Rome IV diagnostic criteria)
* The participant and at least one of the parents must understand Swedish

Exclusion Criteria:

* other medical condition that better explains the symtoms
* Absence from school \>40% and/or psychiatric diagnosis that is judged to be more primary than the gastrointestinal problems, in these cases the children/young people are judged to need more intensive and multi-professional treatment

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Self-hypnosisFunctional Bowel DisorderFunctional Abdominal Pain Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.