The Role of Hypnosis in Reducing Anxiety Before and After Surgery

A lot of research has been performed using hypnosis either as a stress reducer or as a pain reliever. There are countless studies about the benefits hypnosis has had in these areas. Studies have been performed on cancer patients, people with phantom limb pain, child birth, and dental procedures. Hypnosis has been shown to help reduce anxiety and pain associated with medical procedures. Hypnotherapy has also helped in preparing for a medical procedure and it has also helped the recovery process.

In 1997, a study was performed in Belgium to see whether stress reducing techniques or hypnosis would have a greater effect on relieving stress and pain before, during, and after a medical procedure. The study consisted of sixty patients undergoing plastic surgery using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The sixty participants were divided into the stress reducing techniques group and the hypnosis group.

During the medical procedure, both the stress reducing techniques and the hypnosis was performed by the anesthesiologist. Also in the room during the procedures was a psychologist. The psychologist observed patient behavior. Each patient was asked to rate their levels of anxiety, pain, and control before, during, and after their surgery. After the surgery they were also asked to rate their level of nausea.

The results showed that hypnosis was most effective in many different areas. Those who were in the hypnosis group had a much lower level of perceived pain and anxiety before and after the operation. They also felt that they were more in control during the operation compared to the other group. The psychologist reported seeing less patient discomfort during the medical procedure. The participants in the hypnosis group had more stable vital signs during the operation. After the procedure, patients in the hypnosis group reported less nausea and vomiting and overall were more satisfied with the procedure.

The study also showed that those in the hypnosis group required significant lower levels of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. This result could have a major impact on the future of hypnosis as a pain and anxiety reliever in the medical field. The study showed that in all parameters being tested, the hypnosis group was more effective in lowering pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting and increasing satisfaction.