Allergy Symptoms
Effect of Self-Hypnosis on Hay Fever Symptoms - A Randomised Controlled Intervention Study. Psychother Psychosom 2005; 74:165-172. Langewitza W, Izakovicb J, Wylerc J, Schindlerd C, Kissa A., Bircherb AJ.
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Fifty-two subjects suffering from symptom producing pollen and grass allergies were taught how to practice self-hypnosis to decrease the severity and symptoms of their allergic reactions. Over the next two years (or two complete allergy seasons) the subjects reported that they experienced (on average) a 29.2 % reduction of their symptoms and a 26.2% improvement in their overall well-being after the first allergy season, when compared to a control group. These improvements were maintained after the second allergy season.
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The Effect of Hypnotically Induced Analgesia on Flare Reaction of the Cutaneous Histamine Prick Test. Archives of Dermatological Research, Vol 282(8) Dec. 1990: 539-43. Zachariae R, Bjerring P.
Ten subjects deemed to be hypnotizable by the research group were subjected to a histamine prick test before, during and after a single hypnosis session (during which they had been given a hypnotic suggestion to experience analgesia in their arm). The subjects reported their feeling of pain on a numbered scale and reported a 71.7% reduction in the pain while in hypnosis. More importantly the researchers noted that there was a significant reduction in the size of the histamine flare when the subject was hypnotized as compared to the size of the histamine flare that occurred in the control tests.
Ten subjects deemed to be hypnotizable by the research group were subjected to a histamine prick test before, during and after a single hypnosis session (during which they had been given a hypnotic suggestion to experience analgesia in their arm). The subjects reported their feeling of pain on a numbered scale and reported a 71.7% reduction in the pain while in hypnosis. More importantly the researchers noted that there was a significant reduction in the size of the histamine flare when the subject was hypnotized as compared to the size of the histamine flare that occurred in the control tests.
Weight Management
Hypnotherapy in Weight Loss Treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Vol 54(4), Aug 1986, 489-492. Cochrane G, Friesen J.
This study recruited 60 women who were not dieting or participating in any other weight loss program and were at least 20% overweight. The women were assigned to one of three groups; a control group, a hypnosis group, and a hypnosis and audiotape group. Those who received hypnosis lost an average of 17 lbs compared to an average of 0.5 lbs in the control group. The audiotape and hypnosis group showed no significant difference from the hypnosis group.
Hypnotic Enhancement of Cognitive-Behavioral Weight Loss Treatments: Another Meta-Reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519. Kirsch I.
This study analyzed the data of previous f studies examining the effectiveness of combining hypnosis with behavioural therapy for weight loss. Those who received behaviour therapy had a mean weight loss of 6 lbs while those who received both hypnosis and behaviour therapy had a mean weight loss of 11.83 lbs. The difference in these two groups increased over time (6.33 lbs and 14.88 lbs).
This study recruited 60 women who were not dieting or participating in any other weight loss program and were at least 20% overweight. The women were assigned to one of three groups; a control group, a hypnosis group, and a hypnosis and audiotape group. Those who received hypnosis lost an average of 17 lbs compared to an average of 0.5 lbs in the control group. The audiotape and hypnosis group showed no significant difference from the hypnosis group.
Hypnotic Enhancement of Cognitive-Behavioral Weight Loss Treatments: Another Meta-Reanalysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 64 (3), 517-519. Kirsch I.
This study analyzed the data of previous f studies examining the effectiveness of combining hypnosis with behavioural therapy for weight loss. Those who received behaviour therapy had a mean weight loss of 6 lbs while those who received both hypnosis and behaviour therapy had a mean weight loss of 11.83 lbs. The difference in these two groups increased over time (6.33 lbs and 14.88 lbs).
Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nausea
Hypnotherapy for Incontinence Caused by the Unstable Detrusor. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1982;284:1831-1834. Freeman RM, Baxby K.
50 women with unstable bladders received 12 hypnosis sessions each and pre-recorded self-hypnosis sessions to follow up with at home. At the end of the 12 sessions 58% of the women reported a complete absence of symptoms, 28% of them reported improvements in their condition and 14% reported no change.
Hypnosis for Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review of the Research Evidence. Eur J Cancer Care, Sept 2007; 16(5): 402-12. Richardson J, Smith J E, McCall G, Richardson A, Pilkington K, Kirsch I.
The study involved a review of 6 previous research studies. The prior studies examined the ability of hypnosis to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with radiation treatment in cancer patients. The review found that hypnosis can reduce both anticipatory nausea and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting.
A Randomized Trial of Self-Hypnosis to Control Nausea in Women Receiving Moderate Emetogenic Chemotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2005 Annual Meeting Proceedings. Vol 23, No. 165 (June Supplement), 2005: 8182. Hurley R, Trezona P, Peczalska E, Jirik C, Anderson E, Heinrich R.
25 women suffering from lung, ovarian or breast cancer were recruited for this study and randomly placed into a control or hypnosis group. The hypnosis group were given 2 hour long hypnosis sessions in which they were taught relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. Both groups continued to receive medication to reduce nausea. The relaxation/self-hypnosis group not only tended to take less medication and felt significantly less nauseas then the control group.
Controlled Trial of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Severe Refractory Irritable-Bowel Syndrome. Lancet. 1984 Dec 1;2(8414):1232-4. Whorwell PJ, Prior A, Faragher EB.
One of the earliest ones that suggested IBS could be treated with hypnosis. The study included 30 patients who were suffering from severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. One group received hypnotherapy, and the other group received psychotherapy. Those in the hypnosis group showed a dramatic improvement in all aspects of their condition while the other group showed minimal improvement in only certain aspects of the condition.
Long-Term Improvement in Functional Dyspepsia Using Hypnotherapy. Gastroenterology. 2002 Dec;123(6):1778-85. Calvert EL.
This study included 126 patients suffering from digestive problems. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups for a 16-week program. One group received hypnosis, the second group received ‘supportive therapy’ (including a placebo medication), and the third group received traditional medical treatment. It was found that those treated with hypnosis had improved by 59%, a 41% improvement was seen among those given supportive therapy, and a 33% improvement among those treated with traditional medicine. 56 weeks later it was found that the hypnosis and medical treatment groups had both continued to improve (the hypnosis group had now improved by 79%, the medical treatment group by 43%). The supportive therapy group had declined (to 33%). Also, 90% of the medical treatment group and 82% of the supportive therapy group had begun to take additional medication. No one in the hypnosis group had taken any medication.
50 women with unstable bladders received 12 hypnosis sessions each and pre-recorded self-hypnosis sessions to follow up with at home. At the end of the 12 sessions 58% of the women reported a complete absence of symptoms, 28% of them reported improvements in their condition and 14% reported no change.
Hypnosis for Nausea and Vomiting in Cancer Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review of the Research Evidence. Eur J Cancer Care, Sept 2007; 16(5): 402-12. Richardson J, Smith J E, McCall G, Richardson A, Pilkington K, Kirsch I.
The study involved a review of 6 previous research studies. The prior studies examined the ability of hypnosis to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with radiation treatment in cancer patients. The review found that hypnosis can reduce both anticipatory nausea and radiation-induced nausea and vomiting.
A Randomized Trial of Self-Hypnosis to Control Nausea in Women Receiving Moderate Emetogenic Chemotherapy. Journal of Clinical Oncology 2005 Annual Meeting Proceedings. Vol 23, No. 165 (June Supplement), 2005: 8182. Hurley R, Trezona P, Peczalska E, Jirik C, Anderson E, Heinrich R.
25 women suffering from lung, ovarian or breast cancer were recruited for this study and randomly placed into a control or hypnosis group. The hypnosis group were given 2 hour long hypnosis sessions in which they were taught relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. Both groups continued to receive medication to reduce nausea. The relaxation/self-hypnosis group not only tended to take less medication and felt significantly less nauseas then the control group.
Controlled Trial of Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Severe Refractory Irritable-Bowel Syndrome. Lancet. 1984 Dec 1;2(8414):1232-4. Whorwell PJ, Prior A, Faragher EB.
One of the earliest ones that suggested IBS could be treated with hypnosis. The study included 30 patients who were suffering from severe refractory irritable-bowel syndrome. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. One group received hypnotherapy, and the other group received psychotherapy. Those in the hypnosis group showed a dramatic improvement in all aspects of their condition while the other group showed minimal improvement in only certain aspects of the condition.
Long-Term Improvement in Functional Dyspepsia Using Hypnotherapy. Gastroenterology. 2002 Dec;123(6):1778-85. Calvert EL.
This study included 126 patients suffering from digestive problems. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups for a 16-week program. One group received hypnosis, the second group received ‘supportive therapy’ (including a placebo medication), and the third group received traditional medical treatment. It was found that those treated with hypnosis had improved by 59%, a 41% improvement was seen among those given supportive therapy, and a 33% improvement among those treated with traditional medicine. 56 weeks later it was found that the hypnosis and medical treatment groups had both continued to improve (the hypnosis group had now improved by 79%, the medical treatment group by 43%). The supportive therapy group had declined (to 33%). Also, 90% of the medical treatment group and 82% of the supportive therapy group had begun to take additional medication. No one in the hypnosis group had taken any medication.
Hypnotherapy in Surgery
Hypnosis Reduces Preoperative Anxiety in Adult Patients. Anesthesia and Analgesia 2006, vol. 102, no5, pp. 1394-1396. Saadat H, Drummond-Lewis J, Maranets I, Kaplan D, Saadat A, Wang SM, Kain ZN.
Seventy six subjects scheduled for upcoming surgery were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received standard pre-op care, group B received "attentive care" in which they had a supportive caregiver, and group C received hypnosis and suggestions for well-being. Group C, who received hypnosis, had significantly less anxiety about their upcoming surgery than both groups A and B. When the subjects were brought into the operating room and asked whether they were experiencing more or less anxiety group A (the control group) experienced a 47% increase in anxiety. Group B, "attentive care" reported a 10% increase in anxiety. Group C, who had received hypnosis reported a 56% decrease in their anxiety level.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of A Brief Hypnosis Intervention to Control Side Effects in Breast Surgery Patients. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2007 99(17):1304-1312. Montgomery GH, Bovbjerg DH, Schnur JB, David D, Goldfarb A, Weltz CR, Schechter C, Graff-Zivin J, Tatrow K, Price DD, Silverstein JH.
200 pre-operative breast surgery patients were randomly assigned to a control group who received 15 minutes of attentive listening and emotional reassurance, and to a group that received one 15-minute hypnosis session before going into surgery. The study found that the patients who received hypnosis required less medication (propofol and lidocaine), reported experiencing less ''pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort and emotional upset'' then the control group.
Preoperative Instructions for Decreased Bleeding During Spine Surgery. Anesthesiology, Sept. 1986 – Vol.65 :A246. Bennett HL, Benson DR, Kuiken DA.
92 pre operative spinal surgery patients were divided into three groups. One was the control group, the second group were given suggestions for relaxation, and the third group was given suggestions that at the beginning of the surgery the blood would leave the area of focus and remain away form the area until the end of the procedure. Those who were given the suggestions for the blood to move away, lost significantly less blood than those in either of the two other groups.
The Effectiveness of Adjunctive Hypnosis with Surgical Patients: A Meta-Analysis. Anesth Analg. 2002 Jun;94(6):1639-45. Montgomery GH, David D, Winkel G, Silverstein JH, Bovbjerg DH.
This was a review of 20 previously conducted studies regarding hypnosis and post operative healing. It was found that those who received hypnosis "had better outcomes than 89% of the patients in control groups."
Seventy six subjects scheduled for upcoming surgery were recruited for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: group A received standard pre-op care, group B received "attentive care" in which they had a supportive caregiver, and group C received hypnosis and suggestions for well-being. Group C, who received hypnosis, had significantly less anxiety about their upcoming surgery than both groups A and B. When the subjects were brought into the operating room and asked whether they were experiencing more or less anxiety group A (the control group) experienced a 47% increase in anxiety. Group B, "attentive care" reported a 10% increase in anxiety. Group C, who had received hypnosis reported a 56% decrease in their anxiety level.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of A Brief Hypnosis Intervention to Control Side Effects in Breast Surgery Patients. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2007 99(17):1304-1312. Montgomery GH, Bovbjerg DH, Schnur JB, David D, Goldfarb A, Weltz CR, Schechter C, Graff-Zivin J, Tatrow K, Price DD, Silverstein JH.
200 pre-operative breast surgery patients were randomly assigned to a control group who received 15 minutes of attentive listening and emotional reassurance, and to a group that received one 15-minute hypnosis session before going into surgery. The study found that the patients who received hypnosis required less medication (propofol and lidocaine), reported experiencing less ''pain, nausea, fatigue, discomfort and emotional upset'' then the control group.
Preoperative Instructions for Decreased Bleeding During Spine Surgery. Anesthesiology, Sept. 1986 – Vol.65 :A246. Bennett HL, Benson DR, Kuiken DA.
92 pre operative spinal surgery patients were divided into three groups. One was the control group, the second group were given suggestions for relaxation, and the third group was given suggestions that at the beginning of the surgery the blood would leave the area of focus and remain away form the area until the end of the procedure. Those who were given the suggestions for the blood to move away, lost significantly less blood than those in either of the two other groups.
The Effectiveness of Adjunctive Hypnosis with Surgical Patients: A Meta-Analysis. Anesth Analg. 2002 Jun;94(6):1639-45. Montgomery GH, David D, Winkel G, Silverstein JH, Bovbjerg DH.
This was a review of 20 previously conducted studies regarding hypnosis and post operative healing. It was found that those who received hypnosis "had better outcomes than 89% of the patients in control groups."
Sexual Dysfunction
Impotence: Acupuncture and Hypnotic Suggestions in the Treatment of Non-Organic Male Sexual Dysfunction. Scand J Urol Nephrol. 1997 Jun;31(3):271-4. Aydin S, Ercan M, Caskurlu T, Tasci AI, Karaman I, Odabas O, Yilmaz Y, Agargun MY, Kara H, Sevin G.
This study included sixty men experiencing a sexual dysfunction with no discernible physical cause. They were divided into three groups: 15 men received acupuncture, 16 received hypnosis and 29 received a placebo. The placebo group improved by 45%, the acupuncture group improved by 60% and the hypnosis group improved by 75%.
Efficacy of Testosterone, Trazodone and Hypnotic Suggestion in the Treatment of Non-Organic Male Sexual Dysfunction. Br J Urol. 1996 Feb;77(2):256-60. Aydin S, Odabas O, Ercan M, Kara H, Agargun MY.
79 men suffering from a sexual dysfunction without a discernible physical cause were involved in this study. 20 men received testosterone, 21 received trazodone, 20 received hypnosis, and 18 were given a placebo. When assessed 4, 6 and 8 weeks later the placebo group improved by 39%, the testosterone group by 60%, the trazodone group by 67% and the hypnosis group by 80%.
This study included sixty men experiencing a sexual dysfunction with no discernible physical cause. They were divided into three groups: 15 men received acupuncture, 16 received hypnosis and 29 received a placebo. The placebo group improved by 45%, the acupuncture group improved by 60% and the hypnosis group improved by 75%.
Efficacy of Testosterone, Trazodone and Hypnotic Suggestion in the Treatment of Non-Organic Male Sexual Dysfunction. Br J Urol. 1996 Feb;77(2):256-60. Aydin S, Odabas O, Ercan M, Kara H, Agargun MY.
79 men suffering from a sexual dysfunction without a discernible physical cause were involved in this study. 20 men received testosterone, 21 received trazodone, 20 received hypnosis, and 18 were given a placebo. When assessed 4, 6 and 8 weeks later the placebo group improved by 39%, the testosterone group by 60%, the trazodone group by 67% and the hypnosis group by 80%.
Asthma
Hypnosis for Asthma - A Controlled Trial. Br Med J 1968;4:71-76 (12 October), doi:10.1136/bmj.4.5623.71. A Report to the Research Committee of the British Tuberculosis Association
A group of 252 subjects suffering from mild to moderate asthma were divided into two groups. Group A were given monthly hypnosis sessions for 12 months and asked to practice self-hypnosis every day. Group B (the control group) were taught a variety of breathing exercises designed to promote relaxation. When independently assessed at the end of the trial there was a significant difference between the two groups. Group A reported improved breathing by 59% compared to a 43% improvement in group B.
Chronic Asthma and Improvement With Relaxation Induced by Hypnotherapy. J R Soc Med. 1988 Dec; 81(12) 701-4. Morrison JB
This study examined 16 asthmatics whose condition, despite medication, was not sufficiently controlled and required multiple emergency hospital visits each year. The subjects received multiple hypnosis sessions emphasizing control of the airways and feeling of well-being. As a group the number of hospital admissions dropped from 44 (the year before the hypnosis sessions) to 13 (the year after the hypnosis). As a group the number of days spent in the hospital were reduced by 249. 8 subjects reduced their use of prednisolone, 6 stopped using prednisolone all together, and the other 2 maintained their dosage. 62% of subjects reported that their condition had improved.
Hypnosis and Asthma: Critical Review. Journal of Asthma, Volume 37, Issue 1 February 2000 , pages 1 - 15. Hackman RM, Stern JS, Gershwin ME.
This review analyzed a variety of studies relating to the effect of hypnosis on asthmatic symptoms. The report concluded that there was enough significant data to conclude that hypnosis can be used to effectively help treat asthma. The study found that the hypnosis was most effective multiple sessions were delivered and then reinforced with self-hypnosis. The study also noted that children responded especially well to hypnosis in relation to asthmatic symptoms.
A group of 252 subjects suffering from mild to moderate asthma were divided into two groups. Group A were given monthly hypnosis sessions for 12 months and asked to practice self-hypnosis every day. Group B (the control group) were taught a variety of breathing exercises designed to promote relaxation. When independently assessed at the end of the trial there was a significant difference between the two groups. Group A reported improved breathing by 59% compared to a 43% improvement in group B.
Chronic Asthma and Improvement With Relaxation Induced by Hypnotherapy. J R Soc Med. 1988 Dec; 81(12) 701-4. Morrison JB
This study examined 16 asthmatics whose condition, despite medication, was not sufficiently controlled and required multiple emergency hospital visits each year. The subjects received multiple hypnosis sessions emphasizing control of the airways and feeling of well-being. As a group the number of hospital admissions dropped from 44 (the year before the hypnosis sessions) to 13 (the year after the hypnosis). As a group the number of days spent in the hospital were reduced by 249. 8 subjects reduced their use of prednisolone, 6 stopped using prednisolone all together, and the other 2 maintained their dosage. 62% of subjects reported that their condition had improved.
Hypnosis and Asthma: Critical Review. Journal of Asthma, Volume 37, Issue 1 February 2000 , pages 1 - 15. Hackman RM, Stern JS, Gershwin ME.
This review analyzed a variety of studies relating to the effect of hypnosis on asthmatic symptoms. The report concluded that there was enough significant data to conclude that hypnosis can be used to effectively help treat asthma. The study found that the hypnosis was most effective multiple sessions were delivered and then reinforced with self-hypnosis. The study also noted that children responded especially well to hypnosis in relation to asthmatic symptoms.
Pain Management
Hypnosis for Pain Relief in Labour And Childbirth: A Systematic Review. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2004 Oct;93(4):505-11. Epub 2004 Jul 26. Cyna AM, McAuliffe GL, Andrew MI.
This was a review of numerous of studies in which hypnosis was used during pregnancy and childbirth. The study found that women who used hypnosis required significantly less pain medication and reported less severe labour pains.
Pain Management: Hypnosis and Its Place in Modern Pain Management - Review Article. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2007 Sept;14(3):238-41. Amadasun FE.
This paper reviewed the numerous studies that showed hypnosis was an effective method of pain management. The paper noted that even though there were some "methodological flaws" in many of the studies, there remained "sufficient clinical evidence of sufficient quality" to conclude that hypnosis is an effective treatment for chronic pain.
Functional Anatomy of Hypnotic Analgesia: A PET Study of Patients with Fibromyalgia. European Journal of Pain. Vol. 3(1) 1999; 7-12. Wik G, Fischer H, Bragée B, Finer B, Fredrikson M.
Participants of this study were suffering from fibromyalgia. PET scans were taken of their brains when they were resting and again when they were experiencing hypnotically-induced analgesia. All reported less pain when they were in the state of hypnosis, then when they were resting. There were also significant differences in the way blood flowed through the brain in these two states. During hypnotically-induced analgesia the blood flow "was bilaterally increased in the orbitofrontal and subcallosial cingulate cortices, the right thalamus, and the left inferior parietal cortex, and was decreased bilaterally in the cingulate cortex." This proved that hypnosis produced physical changes in the brain.
An Experimental Study of Hypnosis in Painful Burns. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. Vol 21(1), Jul 1978, 3-12. Wakeman, R. John; Kaplan, Jerold Z.
This report focused on the results of 2 studies involving burn patients and the effectiveness of hypnosis to help manage the acute pain. Those who received hypnosis required less medication than those in the control groups. It was concluded that hypnosis can play an important role in helping burn patients manage and reduce pain.
Hypnosis in the Management of Persistent Idiopathic Orofacial Pain - Clinical and Psychosocial Findings. Pain. 2007 Aug 3, Abrahamsen R, Baad-Hansen L, Svensson P.
41 people who were suffering from Persistent Idiopathic Orofacial Pain (PIOP, persistent pain in the mouth and face which has no clear cause). The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received five 1-hour hypnosis sessions and the control group who received five 1-hour relaxation sessions. The participants pain was evaluated in a variety of ways; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) self assessed pain level three times a day on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (agonizing pain). Particiapants were also assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, a symptom check-list, SF-36, the quality of sleep, and the use of medication for pain relief.
The VAS pain scores hypnosis group decreased by 33.1% while the control group decreased by 3.2%. The hypnosis group also had a significant change in their perception of the pain (as determined by the McGill Pain Questionnaire) and used less pain medication. The study concluded that hypnosis offers "clinically relevant pain relief".
This was a review of numerous of studies in which hypnosis was used during pregnancy and childbirth. The study found that women who used hypnosis required significantly less pain medication and reported less severe labour pains.
Pain Management: Hypnosis and Its Place in Modern Pain Management - Review Article. Niger Postgrad Med J. 2007 Sept;14(3):238-41. Amadasun FE.
This paper reviewed the numerous studies that showed hypnosis was an effective method of pain management. The paper noted that even though there were some "methodological flaws" in many of the studies, there remained "sufficient clinical evidence of sufficient quality" to conclude that hypnosis is an effective treatment for chronic pain.
Functional Anatomy of Hypnotic Analgesia: A PET Study of Patients with Fibromyalgia. European Journal of Pain. Vol. 3(1) 1999; 7-12. Wik G, Fischer H, Bragée B, Finer B, Fredrikson M.
Participants of this study were suffering from fibromyalgia. PET scans were taken of their brains when they were resting and again when they were experiencing hypnotically-induced analgesia. All reported less pain when they were in the state of hypnosis, then when they were resting. There were also significant differences in the way blood flowed through the brain in these two states. During hypnotically-induced analgesia the blood flow "was bilaterally increased in the orbitofrontal and subcallosial cingulate cortices, the right thalamus, and the left inferior parietal cortex, and was decreased bilaterally in the cingulate cortex." This proved that hypnosis produced physical changes in the brain.
An Experimental Study of Hypnosis in Painful Burns. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis. Vol 21(1), Jul 1978, 3-12. Wakeman, R. John; Kaplan, Jerold Z.
This report focused on the results of 2 studies involving burn patients and the effectiveness of hypnosis to help manage the acute pain. Those who received hypnosis required less medication than those in the control groups. It was concluded that hypnosis can play an important role in helping burn patients manage and reduce pain.
Hypnosis in the Management of Persistent Idiopathic Orofacial Pain - Clinical and Psychosocial Findings. Pain. 2007 Aug 3, Abrahamsen R, Baad-Hansen L, Svensson P.
41 people who were suffering from Persistent Idiopathic Orofacial Pain (PIOP, persistent pain in the mouth and face which has no clear cause). The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received five 1-hour hypnosis sessions and the control group who received five 1-hour relaxation sessions. The participants pain was evaluated in a variety of ways; Visual Analog Scale (VAS) self assessed pain level three times a day on a scale of 0 (no pain) to 10 (agonizing pain). Particiapants were also assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, a symptom check-list, SF-36, the quality of sleep, and the use of medication for pain relief.
The VAS pain scores hypnosis group decreased by 33.1% while the control group decreased by 3.2%. The hypnosis group also had a significant change in their perception of the pain (as determined by the McGill Pain Questionnaire) and used less pain medication. The study concluded that hypnosis offers "clinically relevant pain relief".
Smoking Cessation and Substance Abuse
Intensive Therapy: Utilizing Hypnosis in the Treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2004 vol.47(1) :21-28 . Potter G.
This study examined 18 cases over the course of 7 years in which hypnosis was used in an attempt to assist the subjects in overcoming a variety of substance addictions. Fifteen cases related to alcohol, two to cocaine and one to marijuana. All subjects were received daily hypnosis sessions over a 20 day period and then reassessed a year later. While the sample size was small it was found that these daily hypnosis sessions led to a 77% success rate.
A Meta-Analytic Comparison of the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Methods. Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol 77(4), Aug 1992, 554-561. Viswesvaran C, Schmidt FL.
The Institute of Actuaries conducted the largest study to date on smoking cessation. The study analyzed the results of 633 previous smoking cessation studies involving a total 71,806 participants. This study found that on average only 20% of people were able to quit smoking and remain smoke free. When they examined the data they found that of all of the techniques used hypnosis was the most effective.
They found a single session of hypnosis (30% effective) was 3 times more effective than nicotine gum (6%) and 5 times more effective then willpower alone (10%). Studies involving multiple hypnosis sessions had even higher success rates with 10% of the studies analyzed reporting 60% success rates.
Use of Single Session Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation. Addictive Behaviors, 1988, Vol. 13(2):205-208. Williams JM, Hall D.
This study included 60 participants randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group received a placebo, one group received a single hypnosis session and one group received no treatment. When followed-up with at 4,12, 24 and 48 weeks it was found that significantly more participants in the hypnosis group had quit smoking than either of the other two groups. Among those still smoking the those in the hypnosis group were smoking significantly less than the other two groups.
Performance by gender in a stop-smoking program combining hypnosis and aversion. Psychol Rep. 1994 Oct;75(2):851-7. Johnson DL, Karkut RT.
A field study of 93 male and 93 female CMHC outpatients examined the facilitation of smoking cessation by using hypnosis. At 3-month follow-up, 86% of the men and 87% of the women reported continued abstinence from the use of tobacco using hypnosis.
This study examined 18 cases over the course of 7 years in which hypnosis was used in an attempt to assist the subjects in overcoming a variety of substance addictions. Fifteen cases related to alcohol, two to cocaine and one to marijuana. All subjects were received daily hypnosis sessions over a 20 day period and then reassessed a year later. While the sample size was small it was found that these daily hypnosis sessions led to a 77% success rate.
A Meta-Analytic Comparison of the Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Methods. Journal of Applied Psychology. Vol 77(4), Aug 1992, 554-561. Viswesvaran C, Schmidt FL.
The Institute of Actuaries conducted the largest study to date on smoking cessation. The study analyzed the results of 633 previous smoking cessation studies involving a total 71,806 participants. This study found that on average only 20% of people were able to quit smoking and remain smoke free. When they examined the data they found that of all of the techniques used hypnosis was the most effective.
They found a single session of hypnosis (30% effective) was 3 times more effective than nicotine gum (6%) and 5 times more effective then willpower alone (10%). Studies involving multiple hypnosis sessions had even higher success rates with 10% of the studies analyzed reporting 60% success rates.
Use of Single Session Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation. Addictive Behaviors, 1988, Vol. 13(2):205-208. Williams JM, Hall D.
This study included 60 participants randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group received a placebo, one group received a single hypnosis session and one group received no treatment. When followed-up with at 4,12, 24 and 48 weeks it was found that significantly more participants in the hypnosis group had quit smoking than either of the other two groups. Among those still smoking the those in the hypnosis group were smoking significantly less than the other two groups.
Performance by gender in a stop-smoking program combining hypnosis and aversion. Psychol Rep. 1994 Oct;75(2):851-7. Johnson DL, Karkut RT.
A field study of 93 male and 93 female CMHC outpatients examined the facilitation of smoking cessation by using hypnosis. At 3-month follow-up, 86% of the men and 87% of the women reported continued abstinence from the use of tobacco using hypnosis.
Other Medical Issues
Pilot Study of the Effect of Self-Hypnosis on the Medical Management of Essential Hypertension. Stress and Health. Vol. 15(4):243-247. Raskin R, Raps C, Luskin F, Carlson R, Cristal R.
This study was conducted on a group of individuals who were hospitalized due to hypertension. This study divided the participants into 3 groups:one was the control group, the second group received attention and the opportunity to relax and the third group was taught self-hypnosis. When the follow up was conducted the group who were taught self-hypnosis were found to have the lowest blood pressure of any of the three groups and no one in the hypnosis group required an increase in their medication.
Randomized Trial Of A Hypnosis Intervention for Treatment of Hot Flashes Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Nov. 2008, Vol 26(31):5022-5026. Elkins G, Marcus, Stearns JV, Perfect M, Rajab MH, Ruud C, Palamara L, Keith T.
60 breast cancer survivors who experienced at least 14 hot flashes each week for at least a month were chosen for this study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups; a control group (who received no treatment) and a group that received 5 weekly hypnosis sessions. The group who received hypnosis reduced the frequency and severity of their hot-flashes by 68% and were less anxious, depressed and reported sleeping better than the control group.
The Use of Hypnosis With Hemophilia. Psychiatr Med, 1992, Vol. 10;4:89-98. LaBaw, W.
This paper found that both the frequency and the amount of bleeding in haemophiliacs was significantly reduced when hypnosis was used. This resulted in the need for fewer blood transfusions, and gave those involved a sense of control and confidence that they can better manage their condition.
Migraine and Hypnotherapy. International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis, 1975; 23(1): 48-58. Anderson JA, Basker MA, Dalton R.
Compared the treatment of migraine by hypnosis and autohypnosis with the treatment of migraine by the drug prochlorperazine (Stemetil). Results show that the number of attacks and the number of people who suffered blinding attacks were significantly lower for the group receiving hypnotherapy than for the group receiving prochlorperazine. For the group on hypnotherapy, these two measures were significantly lower when on hypnotherapy than when on the previous treatment. It is concluded that further trials of hypnotherapy are justified against some other treatment not solely associated with the ingestion of tablets.
This study was conducted on a group of individuals who were hospitalized due to hypertension. This study divided the participants into 3 groups:one was the control group, the second group received attention and the opportunity to relax and the third group was taught self-hypnosis. When the follow up was conducted the group who were taught self-hypnosis were found to have the lowest blood pressure of any of the three groups and no one in the hypnosis group required an increase in their medication.
Randomized Trial Of A Hypnosis Intervention for Treatment of Hot Flashes Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Nov. 2008, Vol 26(31):5022-5026. Elkins G, Marcus, Stearns JV, Perfect M, Rajab MH, Ruud C, Palamara L, Keith T.
60 breast cancer survivors who experienced at least 14 hot flashes each week for at least a month were chosen for this study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups; a control group (who received no treatment) and a group that received 5 weekly hypnosis sessions. The group who received hypnosis reduced the frequency and severity of their hot-flashes by 68% and were less anxious, depressed and reported sleeping better than the control group.
The Use of Hypnosis With Hemophilia. Psychiatr Med, 1992, Vol. 10;4:89-98. LaBaw, W.
This paper found that both the frequency and the amount of bleeding in haemophiliacs was significantly reduced when hypnosis was used. This resulted in the need for fewer blood transfusions, and gave those involved a sense of control and confidence that they can better manage their condition.
Migraine and Hypnotherapy. International Journal of Clinical & Experimental Hypnosis, 1975; 23(1): 48-58. Anderson JA, Basker MA, Dalton R.
Compared the treatment of migraine by hypnosis and autohypnosis with the treatment of migraine by the drug prochlorperazine (Stemetil). Results show that the number of attacks and the number of people who suffered blinding attacks were significantly lower for the group receiving hypnotherapy than for the group receiving prochlorperazine. For the group on hypnotherapy, these two measures were significantly lower when on hypnotherapy than when on the previous treatment. It is concluded that further trials of hypnotherapy are justified against some other treatment not solely associated with the ingestion of tablets.
