Hypnosis Session Research Articles

The Efficacy of Hypnotic Analgesic Suggestions in Chronic Nociplastic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT This blinded study evaluated the relative efficacy of three hypnosis sessions in 60 patients with chronic nociplastic pain allocated randomly to one of two conditions: hypnosis with analgesic suggestions, or hypnosis with nonspecific suggestions. Pain intensity, pain quality, and pain interference as outcome measures were assessed before and after treatment. A mixed-design analysis of the variance model showed no significant differences between groups. According to the adjusted model, large effect size improvements in pain intensity and pain quality emerged for both conditions but were only meaningful for patients not taking pain medications. Analgesic suggestions may not play a primary role in beneficial outcomes of hypnosis at the beginning of chronic pain management since both interventions demonstrated similar positive effects. Future studies should investigate the efficacy of the hypnosis components over longer treatment periods.

Motivational Hypnosis as a Tool to Eliminate the Effects of Covid-19 Perception on Employee Motivation

Covid-19's emergence has significantly impacted the world, its workplaces and the motivation of employees. This study aims to determine the impact of how Covid-19 is perceived on employees' intrinsic motivation. It also aims to discover whether a motivational hypnosis session may influence the pandemic's effects, given that hypnosis is a well-known mental intervention that has been used for centuries to treat and help people in domains as varied as therapy, sports, education, and more recently, business. A three-step qualitative experimental study took place, involving ten employee volunteers. The first step was a first questionnaire exploring the effect of their perceptions of Covid-19 on their motivation. A motivational hypnosis session (written to increase employees' intrinsic motivation from the emotional intelligence framework) took place afterwards; the last step was a second questionnaire answered by the workers 48 hours after the session. Results showed that Covid-19 had slightly less of a negative effect on managers' motivation, which was 79% compared to non-executive employees' 87%. The motivational hypnosis session helped only two out of the ten employees to reduce the effects of the way they perceived the pandemic. However, it did have positive impact as it increased employees' intrinsic motivation. Future research on using hypnosis for the benefit of employees should therefore be conducted.

Managing neuropathic pain through hypnosis among diabetics

Background & Objective: The global prevalence of diabetes is increasing with a variety of physiological, psychosomatic, and psychological manifestations. Literature review is evident in favor of modern psychological therapies, including hypnosis with circle therapy, which has been proven effective for the management of many such problems. We aimed to assess the effects of hypnosis on neuropathic pain management among diabetics, for this purpose, a manualized intervention plan was developed comprising hypnosis suggestions using circle therapy. Methodology: In this study, 20 diabetics (Type-1 and Type-2) ages 40−60 y, were selected through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. One group pre-test/post-test experimental research design was used. A demographic questionnaire, and Douleur Neuropathic pain rating scale (DN-4), was used for pre- and post-assessment of the patients. Results: Data obtained were analyzed through SPSS-21, t-test was used for the analysis of the results. Pre- and post-session assessment was done. After pre-assessment two hypnosis sessions along with circle therapy were administered to the patient. After the application of therapy, post-assessment was done, and it was seen that the hypnosis along with circle therapy had significant (P < 0.05) effect for diabetic neuropathic pain management among diabetics. Conclusion: From the current study and the literature review, it is concluded that diabetic neuropathic pain is manageable through hypnosis and circle therapy. Hypnosis and circle therapy is an effective technique for psychological pain management as it is a brief and less costly technique that can be applied without any side effects. It showed short-term effects but can be prolonged with multiple sessions of circle therapy. Abbreviations: DM - Diabetes Mellitus; DN-4 - Douleur Neuropathic Scale-4; DPN – Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Keywords: Neuropathic Pain; Diabetes Mellitus; Hypnosis; Circle Therapy Citation: Kubra K, Rafiq M, Adnan M. Managing neuropathic pain through hypnosis among diabetics. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(3):338−342; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i3.1720 Received: December 16, 2021; Reviewed: January 20, 2022; Accepted: February 13, 2023

An exploratory study of hypnosis-induced blood count changes in chronically stressed individuals

Hypnosis is a clinically accepted relaxation technique known for stress reduction. Results from hematological research provide evidence of changes in blood components through hypnosis. However, these hematological effects have been rarely examined. Hence, we exploratively investigated the effect of a single relaxation hypnosis on the hemogram in stressed individuals, assuming a reduction of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and erythrocytes (primary outcomes). Additionally, a reduction in the erythrocyte-related parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit), and an increase in plasma volume was hypothesized (secondary outcomes). Forty-four either individuals (89 % women) with chronic stress and moderate to high hypnotic suggestibility were randomized to a hypnosis condition (20 min relaxation hypnosis; n = 20) or a control condition (20 min documentary; n = 24). Venous blood was drawn before and after the intervention and used to generate a differential hemogram and determine the plasma volume. The relaxation hypnosis led to a significant reduction in erythrocytes (Cohen's d=0.23) and consequently to a decrease in erythrocyte-related parameters (hemoglobin, d=0.27; hematocrit, d=0.37) as well as to a reduction in thrombocytes (d=0.15) in the hypnosis compared to the control condition. Putatively, this could be the consequence of an increased plasma volume (d=0.10), estimated by the hematocrit concentration and body weight. A hypnosis-induced change in leukocyte count could not be confirmed. Thus, a single session of relaxation hypnosis already alters specific blood count parameters. While relaxation-induced vasodilatation might explain these changes, it is still not completely clear how these changes affect our stress response system.

Efficacy of Hypnotherapy in the Management of Fibromyalgia: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: A multi-modal approach to fibromyalgia syndrome is necessary as it is affected by emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors. In this context, hypnosis is one of the treatment methods used in fibromyalgia. However, studies on the use of hypnosis in fibromyalgia have mostly been conducted with short treatment durations of self-hypnosis. For this reason, we aimed to conduct this study in which the hypnosis sessions were face-to-face and the treatment duration was longer. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five patients who met the fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria published in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2016 and whose medical treatment was planned were included in the study. A total of 20 patients completed the study (10 hypnosis group and 10 control group). No additional treatment was applied to the control group other than medical treatment and exercise recommendations. In addition to medical treatment and exercise, patients in the hypnosis group received face-to-face hypnosis therapy once a week for 60 min, a total of 10 sessions. Evaluations of the patients before the treatment and in the 3rd month after the treatment were made with the pain score and the fibromyalgia disease activity score. Results: Ages 18–65 years, with widespread pain for at least 3 months, according to ACR 2016 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria; A total of 20 patients with fibromyalgia, 10 in the hypnosis treatment group and 10 in the control treatment group completed the study. When the 3rd month Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) values of the group receiving hypnosis treatment were compared with the control group, a statistical difference was found (P < 0.001). When the pre-treatment VAS and FIQ values of the group receiving hypnosis treatment were compared with the 3rd month values, a statistically significant improvement was found (respectively; P = 0.006, P = 0.005). When the pretreatment and 3rd month VAS and FIQ values of the control group were compared, no statistical difference was found (P = 0.063). Conclusions: Hypnosis treatment is effective in reducing pain and increasing daily life activities in fibromyalgia patients, and no side effects were reported. It can be considered a complementary treatment within the multimodal approach in fibromyalgia patients.

Effectiveness of Hypnosis for the Prevention of Anxiety During Coronary Angiography (HYPCOR study): a prospective randomized study

BackgroundCoronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This intervention is nevertheless a source of anxiety for the patient both by its discomfort and by the consequences linked to the discovery of potential diseases.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography.MethodsOne hundred sixty-nine patients with planned coronary angiography and no history of coronary angiography were randomized to a hypnosis or control group. Patients in the hypnosis group underwent a hypnosis session with self-hypnosis posthypnotic suggestions, while those in the control group had a conversational interview with the hypnotherapist. The primary endpoint was pre-exam anxiety level assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y A).ResultsPerforming a hypnosis session did not result in a significant decrease in anxiety before the intervention. Age, high trait anxiety, high state anxiety the day before, and belief that hypnosis works in general were associated with increased anxiety before the procedure. No adverse events were reported after hypnosis. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups for the occurrence of complications of the intervention.ConclusionIn this study, performing a hypnosis session before coronary angiography did not reduce the state of anxiety measured just before the intervention. In all cases, the hypnotic experience appears to be positive for the patient, encouraging further research efforts.Trial registrationThe research protocol has been registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT02818101; 29/06/2016) and with the ANSM (IDRCB 2016-A00205-46; 02/02/2016).

Sigmund Freud, 19 Berggasse, Vienna. André Breton, 42 Rue Fontaine, Paris

Sigmund Freud, 19 Berggasse, Vienna. André Breton, 42 Rue Fontaine, Paris

Hypnotic Regression as an Autoethnographic Modality for Exploring Adverse Childhood Experiences as Proposed Effectors of Chronic Adult Obesity - Selected Case Studies

Much has been written about the aetiological role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the development of chronic adult physical and emotional health problems but current screening methods utilising questionnaires and formal interviewing often fail to show consensus across populations and surveys. This paper proposes that hypnotic regression might provide an alternative approach to ACE screening through its facility in revealing unsuspected and seemingly minor ACEs, which nevertheless can go on to have long term implications for individuals’ adult health. In this study seven female participants with intractable overweight volunteered to participate in a series of hypnosis sessions designed to explore for possible covert childhood or early adulthood traumatic experiences which might have contributed towards their adult obesity problems. During their hypnosis sessions all participants were seemingly able to recall and to recount, narratives of long-forgotten but intensely painful childhood experiences, traumas and family disharmony, which appeared to have provoked life-changing decisions regarding their weight, body image or eating habits, and which may then have contributed to their developing refractory obesity later in their adult life. This study suggests that current decisions limiting the range of what constitutes ACEs may account for the differing results of previous ACEs surveys and that hypnosis might prove to be a useful tool in screening for otherwise unrecognised ACEs, thus helping to improve the specificity and sensitivity of current ACE screening programmes.

Aphantasie et hypnose : une étude exploratoire

IntroductionAphantasia is a recent concept describing an individual's incapacity to use their mind's eye and therefore to visualize mental images. Although this “blind imagination” was studied in order to understand the neuronal mechanisms and the possible consequences of this condition, the implications of aphantasia in the clinical field remain unknown. MethodThis exploratory research involves two related participants, both aphantasics, selected due to their extreme scores at the VVIQ. The participants took three mental imagery trials, a projective test, and the GeoCat psychometric questionnaire. In a third and final phase, they took part in a blind hypnosis with suggestions using visual, kinesthetic, or open metaphors. The interviews and the tests were accompanied by micro-phenomenological interviews to investigate the implicit knowledge and processes. ResultsThe data obtained during these research interviews show that the participants are able to realize tasks involving visual imagery using singular processes. Particularly, they mobilize spatial and semantic skills. During the hypnosis session, one of the participants caught herself feeling overwhelmed by screens of color. Clinical similarities appear within the personality structure and life story of the two participants. DiscussionWe propose that aphantasia, more than a lack of mental imagery, could be a particular cognitive style, in which mental imagery tasks could be realized using other processes. We question the etiology of aphantasia and analyze the entanglement between this cognitive style and the structure of the personality, particularly its potential link with ordinary psychosis. ConclusionThe use of hypnosis enables us to explore this cognitive style, while also giving us a sense of its potential clinical, therapeutic, and quotidian implications.

Pre- and post-operative psychological interventions to prevent pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery (PREVENT): Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women worldwide with over a million new cases each year. More than 40% of these women will struggle with chronic pain and fatigue after surgery, regardless of surgical procedure. These consequences are detrimental and result in distress and disability, including work disability. Few attempts have been made to prevent chronic pain and fatigue after surgery by applying a psychological approach, despite psychological risk factors being crucial in the development of both chronic pain and fatigue. In this study, we aim to develop and test an easily implementable strategy of preventing chronic pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery. The intervention strategy involves a pre-operative hypnosis session and a web-based post-operative Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The hypnosis has previously been found effective in alleviating acute post-operative pain and fatigue in breast cancer patients, while ACT is well suited to cancer populations as it offers a model of healthy adaptation to difficult circumstances. Together they form an intervention strategy with both a preventive and a rehabilitative focus. This randomized controlled trial aims to estimate the effects of the pre- and post- operative interventions compared to attentional control and treatment as usual (TAU) and will also include a qualitative process evaluation. Participants will be randomized to receive either a pre-operative brief hypnosis session and a post-operative web-based psychological intervention (iACT) or a pre-operative one-session mindfulness through an audio file and post-operative TAU. Self-reported questionnaire data and biomarker data will be assessed pre-surgery, post-surgery and 3 and 12 months after surgery. In addition, we will assess registry data on sick leave and prescriptions until 2-year follow-up. In the qualitative process evaluation, data will be collected from participants from both study arms (through interviews and a diary) and two different analyses performed (socio-narrative and Grounded Theory) with the objective to describe the development of chronic post-surgical pain and fatigue and the potential influence of the interventions on these processes. The study is set-up to demonstrate a minimum difference in pain of 1 point on NRS (0-10) and 3 points on FACIT-F (0-52) between the groups at 3-months follow-up by including 200 breast cancer patients in total. This trial will be the first study to estimate the effect of a combined pre-operative hypnosis with a post-operative iACT to prevent pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery. The results from our study might i) help the large group of women affected by chronic pain and fatigue after breast cancer surgery, ii) shed light on the mechanisms involved in chronic pain and fatigue development, and iii) serve as a model for other surgical procedures. Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT04518085. Registered on January 29th, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04518085.

Adjuvant Hypnotherapy for Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A Randomized Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires hospitalization in approximately 1% to 5% of patients, is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. This study investigated the effects of hypnosis on nausea, vomiting, use of antiemetic medications, and hospital stay among patients diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. Patients were randomized to receive either conventional therapy alone (control condition, n = 23) or adjuvant hypnotherapy plus conventional therapy (treatment group, n = 18). Sociodemographic data, severity of nausea, frequency of vomiting per day, rescue medications used, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Participants in the treatment group received 2 sessions of hypnosis and were instructed in daily self-hypnosis practice. Those in the control group received treatment as usual. Results from this study indicated that adjunctive use of hypnotherapy with patients diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum experienced significantly reduced severity of nausea and frequency of vomiting compared to treatment-as-usual alone. Also, hospital stay was found to be shorter in the treatment group as compared to the control group. These findings are encouraging and suggest it is feasible and potentially beneficial to include adjunctive hypnotherapy to treat hyperemesis gravidarum.

The Effects of a Single Relaxation Hypnosis Session on Mental Stress in Chronically Stressed Individuals

Abstract. Background: Chronically stressed people often suffer from anxiety and depressive mood. Hypnosis is a technique that can induce a relaxation response and reduce negative stress symptoms. Objective: This explorative study investigated the impact of a single relaxation hypnosis session on stress-related psychological symptoms. Method: 47 suggestible, stressed individuals (87 % female) were randomized to a hypnosis group ( n = 23, 20-minute hypnosis) or a control group ( n = 24, 20-minute scientific documentary). Before and after the intervention, we assessed perceived stress, negative affect, anxiety, and depressive mood. Results: After the hypnosis intervention, depressive mood ( d = 0.36) and state anxiety ( d = 1.00) decreased, while negative affect remained stable ( d = 0.04). Perceived stress was reduced in both groups. Conclusion: A single relaxation hypnosis session decreased stress-related symptoms in chronically stressed individuals. Our results substantiated the stress-alleviating effects of hypnosis.

Effects of hypnosis versus enhanced standard of care on postoperative opioid use after total knee arthroplasty: the HYPNO-TKA randomized clinical trial

BackgroundHypnosis decreases perioperative pain and has opioid-sparing potential but has not been rigorously studied in knee arthroplasty. This trial investigates the impact of perioperative hypnosis on inpatient opioid use following...

How Can We Help Healthcare Workers during a Catastrophic Event Such as the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have significantly suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting a high prevalence of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We investigated with this survey whether HCWs benefitted from supportive measures put in place by hospitals and how these measures were perceived. This cross-sectional survey, which was conducted during the first wave of COVID-19 at the Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland, between May and July 2021, collected information on the use and perception of practical and mental health support measures provided by the hospital. In total, 3461 HCWs participated in the study. Regarding the practical support measures, 2896 (84%) participants found them useful, and 2650 (76%) used them. Regarding the mental health support measures, 3149 (90%) participants found useful to have the possibility of attending hypnosis sessions, 3163 (91%) to have a psychologist within hospital units, 3202 (93%) to have a medical nursing psychiatric permanence available seven days a week, and 3171 (92%) to have a hotline available seven days a week. In total, 436 (13%) HCWs used at least one of the available mental health support measures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the support measures were valued by HCWs. Given the high prevalence of psychiatric issues among HCWs, these measures seem necessary and are likely to have alleviated the suffering of HCWs.

Hypnosis reduces food impulsivity in patients with obesity and high levels of disinhibition: HYPNODIET randomized controlled clinical trial

The obesogenic environment of Western countries raises questions about its current management. Some clinical studies have explored hypnosis, although the current state of knowledge does not lead to definitive conclusions about its efficacy. We assessed the impact of Ericksonian hypnosis and self-hypnosis on disinhibition of eating in adults with obesity and high food impulsivity levels, compared with standard nutritional education. From September 2014 to July 2015, adults with BMI (in kg/m2) of 30-40 and a high disinhibition score [>8 on the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-51)] were included in a randomized controlled trial. The control and hypnosis groups received the same standard nutrition education in 8 workshops. In the hypnosis group, subjects had 8 sessions of hypnosis combined with training in self-hypnosis. Disinhibition (primary outcome) and other scores from the TFEQ-51 as well as anthropometric, food intake, cardiometabolic, and physical activity variables were collected at inclusion and at 8 mo. Of 82 randomly assigned adults, 70 participated in all sessions; 80 participated in ≥1 session and were included in the main analysis (hypnosis group, n=41; control group, n=39). After 8 mo of follow-up, disinhibition scores adjusted for baseline values were lower in the hypnosis group, with a mean between-group difference of 4.2 (95% CI: 2.8, 5.5; P<0.001); 67.7% of adults in the hypnosis group had normalized their disinhibition (compared with 11.1% in control; P<0.0001). Differences for weight (1.8kg; 95% CI: -0.1, 3.7kg; P=0.052), BMI (0.8; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.4; P=0.028), susceptibility to hunger score (2.2; 95% CI: 1.0, 3.3; P<0.001), and its 2 subscales also favored the hypnosis group. In the management of adults with obesity and a high disinhibition score, hypnosis and self-hypnosis can significantly improve the deep mechanisms of eating behaviors and seem to have a beneficial effect on weight loss.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02292108.

Hypnosis to Reduce Distress in Children Undergoing Anorectal Manometry: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial.

Background/AimsTo assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a brief session of hypnosis to reduce distress in children with functional constipation undergoing anorectal manometry (ARM).MethodsA partially-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted in children 4-18 years old scheduled for ARM. Children were randomized to receive a brief session of hypnosis prior to ARM or standard care. Non-blinded and blinded observers rated the child’s level of distress using the Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress and a 4-point-Likert scale, respectively. Differences between groups were analyzed using Fisher’s exact test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate.ResultsData from 32 children (15 hypnosis and 17 standard care) were analyzed. Prior to insertion of the catheter, the observed mean levels of distress were lower in the hypnosis group according to both the non-blinded observer (median 0.0 [interquartile range {IQR} 0.0-0.3] vs 1.4 [IQR 0.3-2.4]; P = 0.009) and the blinded observer (median 0.0 [IQR 0.0-0.0] vs 0.5 [IQR 0.0-1.0]; P = 0.044). During ARM, observed and reported levels of distress did not differ significantly. In the hypnosis group, 92.9% of parents and children reported that hypnosis helped the child to relax. There were no significant differences in resting pressure, squeeze pressure, or duration of the procedure between both groups.ConclusionA brief session of hypnosis for children before ARM is an easily incorporable intervention that lowers distress levels prior to the procedure and is positively perceived by children and parents.

Age progression in hypnosis for pain and fatigue in individuals with disabilities

ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail a specific age progression approach that we use in our clinical practice and clinical trials in interventions including hypnosis for chronic pain and fatigue in individuals with disabilities. Moreover, we present preliminary evidence regarding the effects of the hypnosis sessions that use age progression suggestions compared to hypnosis sessions that provide different suggestions, as well as to sessions that did not include hypnotic procedures. Findings indicate that age progression suggestions for pain management with individuals participating in hypnosis treatment resulted in substantial immediate reductions in pain intensity, which were greater than pain reductions associated with treatments sessions providing pain education or cognitive therapy. In addition, age progression sessions provided to individuals receiving online hypnosis treatment for fatigue resulted in immediate large reductions in fatigue severity. Although the design of these two studies does not allow to report specific or long-term effects of the age progression techniques, findings indicate that including age progression suggestions to hypnosis protocols for pain and fatigue management is effective for reducing the immediate level of both symptoms. The development and continued evaluation of hypnotic interventions that increase or restore hope in, and optimism, for the future has the potential for enhancing the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of individuals with pain and fatigue.

The effect of hypnosis on perceived stress in women with preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND:Perceived stress is one of the causes of preeclampsia; one of the ways to manage mental stress is hypnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hypnosis on perceived stress in women with preeclampsia.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This randomized clinical trial was performed on 80 (40 people in each group) pregnant women 28–32 weeks with preeclampsia and hospitalized in two public hospitals in Mashhad in 2020. The Cohen Perceived Stress Questionnaire was first completed in two groups. Then, in the intervention group, three half-hour sessions of hypnosis were performed with an interval of 3 days (hypnosis consists of three sessions: each session is held for three consecutive nights). After each session, the intervention package, which included recording the dialogs of each session for posthypnotic suggestion, was delivered to the mothers on a CD to listen to every night before bed. The control group received routine care. Then, 2 weeks after the intervention, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire was completed by both groups. The results were analyzed by independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann–Whitney, Chi-square, Friedman and covariance tests, and by SPSS 16.RESULTS:At the beginning of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between demographic characteristics and the perceived stress score before the intervention between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the mean perceived stress score was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.005). Perceived stress after the intervention was significantly reduced in the intervention group, which was significant between the two groups.CONCLUSION:Perceived stress in mothers with preeclampsia is reduced by hypnosis.

Hypnosis for the management of COPD-related anxiety and dyspnoea in pulmonary rehabilitation: rationale and design for a cluster-randomised, active-control trial (HYPNOBPCO_2).

Complementary psychological care is recommended for COPD, as it significantly reduces anxiety and boosts the pulmonary rehabilitation efficacy. In a precedent trial (HYPNOBPCO_1, ISRCTN10029862), administering a single hypnosis session was linked to reduced anxiety and improved breathing mechanics in intermediate and advanced COPD patients. However, whether hypnosis could improve self-management of anxiety and dyspnoea in COPD during pulmonary rehabilitation is yet to be investigated.This is the protocol for HYPNOBPCO_2, a 2-arm, cluster-randomised, statistician-blinded superiority monocentre trial (NCT04868357). Its aim is to assess the efficacy of hypnosis as a tool to manage anxiety and dyspnoea during a pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP). Clusters of COPD patients eligible for the conventional hospital-based PRP at the Centre Hospitalier de Bligny (CHB) will be randomised and evenly allocated into two parallel arms: “Hypnosis” (treatment) and “Relaxation” (active control). “Hypnosis” will consist of the CHB's conventional 4-week group PRP, supplemented by two educational sessions for teaching self-hypnosis. “Relaxation” will be identical, except standard relaxation exercises will be taught instead. Primary end-point will consist of assessing weekly changes in anxiety throughout the PRP, additional to total anxiety change after treatment completion. Anxiety will be determined by the six-item version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6). Secondary outcomes will include change in the 6-min walk test and the COPD assessment test (CAT). Further follow-up outcomes will include CAT and STAI-6 retests, re-hospitalisation rate, action plan use and persistence in self-hypnosis use, throughout the 12 weeks ensuing PRP completion.

Hypnosuggestion in Correction of Homosexual Desire: a Case from Clinical Practice

Male patient M., 17, a student of the 11th form, consulted on his mother’s request. He felt sex drive mainly to males. If conventionally generalized sexual desire can be accepted as 100%, the proportion of his homosexual and heterosexual components was 75% to 25%. At that time he masturbated using homosexual (in 90% of cases) and heterosexual (in 10% of cases) fantasies (he imagined sexual intercourses). During all his previous life he had had 3 heterosexual and 3 homosexual intercourses. At the time of his first consultation the patient regarded homosexuality and bisexuality as the norm, but under influence of his parents and having comprehended possible negative consequences of homosexuality (absence of his own family and children in the future, his position in his parents’ family) he changed his opinion and agreed for correction of homosexuality. The state of that young man at the moment of his visit to us could be assessed as mostly homosexuality, but with inclusion of the heterosexual component. The provided correction included: (1) cognitive influences targeted at strengthening of the patient’s opinion that it is normal to be heterosexual, the latter making it possible to start a family, have children as well as be fully adapted in the society; (2) formation of the normal sexual behavioural stereotype: we recommended the patient to use only heterosexual fantasies during masturbation, while homosexual fantasizing was absolutely prohibited; (3) carrying out of 9 sessions of hypnosuggestive therapy, which was regarded as the basic corrective technique (the contexture of hypnotic sessions was supplemented with the cognitive and behavioural components). Analysing the dynamics of subsidence of the homosexual component of libido in the patient, we can state that the occurrence of obvious positive shifts was strikingly rapid, much more rapidly than expected. For example, as early as after the first hypnotic session the proportion of the heterosexual and homosexual components of libido was, respectively, 60% to 40%, while at the time of his first visit, as we have already mentioned, it was 25% to 75%. After the second session of hypnosis the above proportion already approximated 95% to 5%, and after the third hypnotic session the homosexual drive was completely neutralized. Nevertheless hypnotic sessions were continued with a gradual reduction of their frequency. They were carried out in order to fix the achieved results and exclude any possible recurrences. An interview with the patient 1.5 months after the end of therapy confirmed sustainability of the obtained results.