Clinical applications of self-hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

doi:10.1037/CNS0000173

Paper

Clinical applications of self-hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Published Apr 26, 2019 · Adam D. Eason, Benjamin A. Parris

Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice

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24

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1

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Abstract

We conducted a systematic review of randomized control trials examining the efficacy of self- hypnosis as a clinical treatment. Searching for ‘self-hypnosis’, ‘self-hypnotic’, ‘autosuggestion’, and ‘autohypnosis’ returned 576 studies, of which 22 met the definition of being an RCT. Self-hypnosis has been reported to be efficacious in studies of pain, childbirth, paediatric applications, stress and anxiety. Methodological differences among studies are discussed. Self-hypnosis is most likely to be effective when taught as an independent self-directed skill and when it involves at least three practice sessions before participation in the trial. Experience of hetero-hypnosis does not seem to be essential in producing an effect for self-hypnosis. Studies reporting no effect typically involved participants listening to audio recordings of hetero-hypnosis only. Meta- analysis revealed a medium-to-large effect size for self-hypnosis in clinical treatment.

Meta-Analysis

Study Snapshot

Key takeawaySelf-hypnosis is an effective clinical treatment for pain, childbirth, paediatric applications, stress, and anxiety, with medium-to-large effect sizes when taught as an independent self-directed skill and practiced for at least three sessions before trial participation.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Clinical applications of self-hypnosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

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References

Efficacy of Self-hypnosis on Quality of Life For Children with Chronic Pain Syndrome

Self-hypnosis is effective in achieving therapeutic goals for chronic pain management in children, reducing pain intensity and improving sleep, schooling, and functional activity.

A Nonrandomized Comparison Study of Self-Hypnosis, Yoga, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to Reduce Emotional Distress in Breast Cancer Patients

Mind-body interventions like yoga and self-hypnosis can decrease distress in breast cancer patients, improving their quality of life, sleep, and mental adjustment.

Efficacy of Self-Hypnosis in Pain Management in Female Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Self-hypnosis effectively decreased pain intensity and modified pain quality in female patients with multiple sclerosis, but this effect was not maintained after 4 weeks.

Effectiveness of Self-Hypnosis on the Relief of Experimental Dental Pain: A Randomized Trial

Self-hypnosis effectively increases pain thresholds and reduces pain perception in dental patients, making it a valuable adjunct to local anesthesia for pain management.

A randomized controlled trial of hypnosis compared with biofeedback for adults with chronic low back pain

Hypnosis may be effective for chronic low back pain, but more research is needed to determine the minimum dose needed, home practice, and hypnotizability, and the maintenance of treatment benefits beyond 3 months.

Hypnosis and beyond: exploring the broader domain of suggestion

Suggestibility, a bio-psycho-social process, influences various aspects of human behavior, including the placebo effect and advertising, and its research should be expanded beyond hypnotic suggestion.

A Pilot Investigation of Guided Self-Hypnosis in the Treatment of Hot Flashes Among Postmenopausal Women

Guided self-hypnosis effectively reduced hot flashes by 72% in postmenopausal women, supporting its feasibility and potential benefits.

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