Frontiers in Psychology
12-12-2023
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Meta-analytic evidence on the efficacy of hypnosis for mental and somatic health issues: a 20-year perspective

Summary: Hypnosis has been documented and investigated for centuries, and its therapeutic use is endorsed by multiple medical associations. In this comprehensive overview, the authors conducted a systematic review of meta-analyses to examine the efficacy of hypnosis in evidence-based healthcare. They focused on patients with mental or somatic health problems and compared hypnosis interventions to control conditions. Here are the key findings:

1. Robust Evidence:

• Hypnosis is most effective in patients undergoing medical procedures and those experiencing pain.
• The largest effects were observed in populations of children and adolescents.
• Reported effect sizes ranged from small to large, indicating positive impacts on treatment outcomes.

2. Safety and Efficacy:

• Hypnosis reduces pain, emotional distress, duration of medical interventions, medication use, and symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome.
• Future research should explore moderators of efficacy and compare hypnosis to established interventions.
• For more details, you can read the full article here.

This study highlights the potential of hypnosis as a psychological tool for treating various health issues, emphasizing its safety and positive impact on patient outcomes.