As we build these programs we'll focus on where there is the most evidence and conduct our own research to further back up the work we're doing. Thanks for checking it out!
Isn't it a bit backward to enter an industry when the entire basis of efficacy is highly suspect? You mentioned that the mechanism of action was that hypnotherapy 'focuses people so they are more open to new ideas and perspectives'; how is that supposed to assist in the treatment of IBS?
For the most part I feel that the 'general' HN toward various forms of therapy is often a bit too harsh. If research indicates that an approach works for 'some types of cases', HN comments often criticize it for not working across the board. Or a lack of overwhelming evidence is considered enough reason to reject the whole thing.
My personal 'minimum' is that there should be some evidence, that isn't too shoddy, that an approach works.
If that minimum isn't met and if users can try an approach for free (like this app?), I feel the placebo effect makes it too easy for people to end up paying anyways, and that makes the product all but snake-oil.
The subscription model however seems counterproductive - the business side wants to continue subscriptions as long as possible while the stated goal is to solve a problem thus minimizing subscriptions. I wonder if a 'pay it forward' model would work. So that if it was effective for you, you could pay for a month of a stranger's subscription.
Interesting idea - I'll see if there's a way we could implement this. We've definitely tried to align ourselves with building an effective program, if you pay through the website and don't see an improvement in symptoms after the program, you can get a full refund.
Here are some studies on IBS using hypnotherapy: - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/apt.13706 (the study we're based off) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1773844/ (5 year effects showed) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25736234/ (1000 patients, 76% responding) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24840368/ (meta analysis of IBS hypnotherapy studies)
In terms of how hypnotherapy works for IBS, the exact mechanism isn't known. It's been shown to help with reducing visceral hypersensitivity and improving intestinal motility, thought to be due to utilising the gut-brain connection.
And for pain management: - https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Controlled-trial-of-hy... (fibromalgia) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16025734/ (disability related pain) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19459087/ (low-back pain)
There's also more research into other areas including: erectile disfunction, exam anxiety, depression, etc.
The harder part with a double blind study is developing the placebo side, since from a patients perspective it's very easy to know if you're getting the psychological treatment (hypnotherapy) or not. It's possible using a sham treatment or something similar, or using a waitlist or active control.
Very specific cases was what I meant. Focusing on those for which there is evidence.