What are Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction?
Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI), formerly known as functional gastrointestinal disorders, are conditions caused by miscommunication between the gut and the brain. Your gut and brain are constantly communicating through millions of nerves and chemical signals, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.
However, in individuals with a DGBI, this bidirectional communication is disrupted. Routine tests, despite the real and often debilitating symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, reveal no structural damage.
Types of Gut-Brain Disorders
Gut-brain disorders develop from a breakdown in communication between the gut and the brain, and that breakdown can show up in a few different patterns:
- Visceral Hypersensitivity: The nerves in the gut become overly sensitive, causing normal digestive processes like gas or digestion to feel painful.
- Motility Disturbances: Food moves either too slowly or too quickly through the digestive tract.
- Altered Gut Microbiome: Changes in the bacteria in your digestive system can affect bowel habits and gas production.
Some examples of DGBIs are:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Functional Dyspepsia
- Functional Dysphagia
- Abdomino-Phrenic Dyssynergia
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
- Centrally Mediated Abdominal Pain Syndrome
- Functional Abdominal Bloating/Distension
- Rumination Syndrome
- Functional Constipation/Diarrhea
- Levator Ani Syndrome Functional Heartburn and Reflux
- Belching Disorders
- And many more
What Causes Gut-Brain Disorders?
Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction are not psychosomatic, they involve real, physical changes. Several factors can contribute to their development, including:
- Prior infections: A severe stomach bug can disrupt gut sensitivity and alter the composition of the gut microbiome.
- Stress and emotions: Psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression, can trigger gut symptoms. Conversely, chronic gut symptoms can negatively impact mood.
- Genetics and environment: Women and individuals under 50 are generally more susceptible to developing DGBIs.
How I Can Help You
1 am trained specifically in gut-directed hypnotherapy and the treatment of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction. My approach goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Together, we will work on calming an overactive nervous system and retraining the gut-brain connection so you can feel more at home in your body again.
A common misconception is that treatments like gut-directed hypnotherapy mean your symptoms are "all in your head." They are not. Gut-directed hypnotherapy is a structured, evidence-informed approach that works directly with the gut-brain axis to reduce visceral hypersensitivity and ease symptoms like pain and bloating. This means your nervous system can be retrained to communicate with your gut differently, not that your pain isn't real.
You do not need a formal GI diagnosis before we begin working together, but I do recommend partnering with a gastroenterologist to rule out structural causes and coordinate your care. I am glad to communicate directly with your medical team as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
Some of the evidence-based interventions I use when working with functional gastrointestinal issues are:
- Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy
- Autogenic Training
- Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Somatic Exercises and Vagus Nerve Stimulation Techniques
- Abdominal Massage Techniques
- Mindfulness Exercises
- Psychoeducation
- Diet and Lifestyle Modification and Education
- Stress Management Techniques
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Multidisciplinary Care Coordination with Your Medical Team
- Exposure-Based Strategies
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Coping Support
- And many more
You do not have to let unexplained gut symptoms control your life. Let's work together to calm your gut-brain connection and help you feel like yourself again.