Positive Health Online

Abstract

LIOSSI and HATIRA, Department of Psychology, University of Wales, Swansea, UK, C.Liossi@swansea.ac.uk, have explored clinical hypnosis in the alleviation of pain from lumbar puncture in children with cancer.

Background

The aim of this prospective controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a manual-based clinical hypnosis intervention in alleviating pain in children with cancer.

Methodology

80 children between 6 and 16 years with cancer, undergoing regular lumbar punctures, were randomized to 4 groups: Direct hypnosis, indirect hypnosis, attention control, and no treatment except standard medical treatment which all groups received.

Results

Patients in the hypnosis groups reported less pain and anxiety and were rated as showing less symptoms of distress than those in the control groups. Direct and indirect hypnosis were equally effective, and the level of hypnotizability was significantly related to treatment benefit in the hypnosis groups. Therapeutic benefit decreased when patients were switched to self-hypnosis.

Conclusion

The study shows that hypnosis is effective for preparing pediatric oncology patients for lumbar puncture, but the presence of the therapist may be critical.

References

Liossi C, Hatira P. Clinical hypnosis in the alleviation of procedure-related pain in pediatric oncology patients. The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 51 (1): 4-28, Jan 2003.