Positive Health Online

Abstract

HACKMAN and colleagues, University of California, Davis 95616 USA write that asthma, one of the most common chronic diseases of the western world, has significant effects upon patients' quality of life.

Background

Although asthma is usually treated with drugs, there is considerable interest to find effective non-drug therapies. Hypnosis has been used to treat numerous disorders including asthma; however hypnosis has not been used as a standard treatment for asthma The authors review the literature (54 references) regarding hypnosis in the treatment of asthma.

Methodology

Results

There is significant data to suggest that hypnosis may be an effective treatment for asthma; however it is too soon to conclude that hypnosis is always effective. Research studies conducted have consistently demonstrated that hypnosis has a clinical effect in asthma treatment. Larger randomized, controlled studies are required. Existing data suggest that hypnosis efficacy is enhanced in individuals who are susceptible to the treatment modality, when used by experienced practitioners and when administered over several sessions, and when reinforced by patient autohypnosis. Children appear to respond particularly well to hypnosis as a tool for the improvement of symptoms of asthma.

Conclusion

References

Hackman RM et al. Hypnosis and asthma: a critical review. The Journal of Asthma 37(1): 1-15. Feb 2000.