Hypnosis Reduces Preoperative Anxiety in Adult Patients

Abstract

In this study we examined the effect of hypnosis on preoperative anxiety. Subjects were randomized into 3 groups, a hypnosis group (n = 26) who received suggestions of well-being; an attention-control group (n = 26) who received attentive listening and support without any specific hypnotic suggestions and a "standard of care" control group (n = 24). Anxiety was measured pre- and postintervention as well as on entrance to the operating rooms. We found that patients in the hypnosis group were significantly less anxious postintervention as compared with patients in the attention-control group and the control group (31 +/- 8 versus 37 +/- 9 versus 41 +/- 11, analysis of variance, P = 0.008). Moreover, on entrance to the operating rooms, the hypnosis group reported a significant decrease of 56% in their anxiety level whereas the attention-control group reported an increase of 10% in anxiety and the control group reported an increase of 47% in their anxiety (P = 0.001). In conclusion, we found that hypnosis significantly alleviates preoperative anxiety. Future studies are indicated to examine the effects of preoperative hypnosis on postoperative outcomes.

Use of hypnosis as a substitute premedication and adjunct to anesthesia

“…In paediatric and young patients, fear of unknown dominates. Hypnosis has been successfully used to decrease anxiety in various surgeries [6] and invasive medical procedures [7]. Two other recent studies have shown the usefulness of hypnosis in decreasing preoperative anxiety.…”

“…Two other recent studies have shown the usefulness of hypnosis in decreasing preoperative anxiety. Saadat et al, studied the use of hypnosis specifically for reduction of anxiety in ambulatory procedures and showed that hypnosis was much more effective than attention-control, or the control group [6]. Calipel et al, compared the use of hypnosis with midazolam in children [8] and, they observed statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in anxiety at mask placement.…”

L’anxiété préopératoire : manifestations cliniques, évaluation et prévention

“…Ils permettent en effet de diminuer l'anxiété préopératoire tant chez l'adulte [8,9] 26 sujets contrôles (-56 % vs. + 47 %, p < 0.001) [33]. Chez l'enfant, une étude sur 50 sujets a montré que le nombre d'enfants anxieux était moins important dans le groupe hypnose (39 % vs 68 %, p < 0.05) [2].…”

Healthcare professionals’ attitudes, knowledge and self-efficacy levels regarding the use of self-hypnosis in childbirth: A prospective questionnaire survey

“…There is some evidence of effectiveness in non-maternity clinical areas, showing hypnotherapist-led hypnosis and self-hypnosis are effective in reducing fear and anxiety (Lang et al, 2008;Marc et al, 2009;Saadat et al, 2006;Moore et al, 2002). In maternity, a Cochrane review concluded that hypnosis may reduce the overall use of pharmacological analgesia during labour although not epidural use, but further high-quality research is needed (Madden et al, 2016).…”