Medical Codes for Applied Hypnotherapy Techniques

Recent Medical Validations for HYPNOTHERAPY

In this randomized controlled trial, 44 children were randomized to receive either routine care or hypnosis. The children chosen had had at least one previous VCUG and found it distressing. Parents and children were given a 1-hour training session in self-hypnosis before the procedure and asked to practise at home for several days. Children's anxiety, distress and pain was assessed by themselves, their parents and the research assistant who also timed the procedure.

BUTLER and colleagues, Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5718, USA, butler@psych.stanford.edu, have found that hypnosis reduces the duration and the distress of an invasive medical procedure for children.

Background Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a commonly performed radiological procedure in children that is both painful and frightening. Given the need for children to be alert and co-operate during the procedure, finding a psychological intervention that helps children to manage anxiety, distress, and pain is clearly desirable. The aim of this study was to examine whether relaxation and analgesia facilitated with hypnosis could reduce distress and procedure time for children.

Results: Significant benefits of the hypnosis were found by parents who rated the procedure as less distressing for their children with hypnosis. Distress as observed by the assistant was significantly lower in children in the hypnosis group. Medical staff reported that the procedure was easier to administer to children in the hypnosis group. And procedure time was significantly shorter with hypnosis.

Conclusions: Hypnotic relaxation may provide a way of improving the overall medical care of children with urinary tract abnormalities and may be beneficial for children who undergo other invasive medical procedures.

Reference :Butler LD, Symons BK, Henderson SL, Shortliffe LD, Spiegel D. Hypnosis reduces distress and duration of an invasive medical procedure for children. Pediatrics 115 (1): e77-85, Jan 2005.

Abstract: GREEN and LYNN, Ohio State University, Lima 45804, USA have reviewed (96 references) the evidence for hypnosis and suggestion-based approaches to smoking cessation.

Discussion: This article reviews 59 studies of hypnosis and smoking cessation as to whether the research empirically supports hypnosis as a treatment. Whereas hypnotic procedures generally yield higher rates of abstinence relative to wait-list and no-treatment conditions, hypnotic interventions are generally comparable to a variety of non-hypnotic treatments. The evidence for whether hypnosis yields outcomes superior to placebos is mixed. In short, hypnosis cannot be considered a specific and efficacious treatment for smoking cessation. Furthermore, in many cases, it is impossible to rule out cognitive/behavioural and educational interventions as the source of positive treatment gains associated with hypnotic treatments. Hypnosis cannot, as yet, be regarded as a well-established treatment for smoking cessation. Nevertheless, it seems justified to classify hypnosis as a "possibly efficacious" treatment for smoking cessation.

Reference: Green JP and Lynn SJ. Hypnosis and suggestion-based approaches to smoking cessation: an examination of the evidence. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 48(2): 195-224. Apr 2000.

Abstract: BUCHSER, (No affiliation provided) conducted a controlled clinical trial to evaluate hypnosis and self-hypnosis as an adjuvant treatment for the instrumental and pharmacological management of chronic pain .

Methodology: The study was conducted at a hospital specialising in the treatment of outpatients suffering from chronic pain. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis were administered and taught by nurses who had been trained recently for this very purpose.

Results: Under the conditions of the study, it was not possible to measure an effect of hypnosis upon pain, despite subjective feeling of usefulness. However, it needs to be taken into account that this form of adjuvant therapy was used for the first time in that hospital for the purpose of the study, and therefore, occurred within an artificial setting. It is, therefore possible that the same therapy administered in the proper therapeutic environment of a specialised institution could demonstrate effects upon pain.

Reference : Buchser E. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis administered and taught by nurses for relief of chronic pain: a controlled clinical trial. Forschende Komplementarmedizin 6(1): 41-3. Feb 1999.

Abstract: SIMON and LEWIS, Department of Psychology, Multi-Disciplinary Pain Clinic, Tripler Regional Medical Center, University of Hawaii, Hawaii, USA, EricSimon@yahoo.com examined the effectiveness of medical hypnosis in reducing the pain symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methodology: In this open-label (uncontrolled) study, 28 patients with TMD underwent medical hypnosis for TMD treatment and were assessed for their pain symptoms a) during wait list, b) before treatment, c) after treatment and d) at a 6-month follow-up. Pre- and post-treatment use of medical treatment was also examined.

Results: Patients reported significant decreases in pain frequency, pain duration and pain intensity and an increase in daily functioning . Analysis of the results suggested that the patients' symptoms did not improve spontaneously, and that their benefits were maintained for 6 month s after hypnosis treatment. In addition, after hypnosis, patients' use of medical treatment was significantly reduced .

Conclusions: Medical hypnosis appears to be an effective treatment modality for TMD in terms of reducing both symptoms and medical (treatment) use.

Reference: Simon EP and Lewis DM. Medical hypnosis for temporomandibular disorders: treatment efficacy and medical utilization outcome. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics 90 (1): 54-63. Jul 2000.

Medical Hypnosis: An Underutilized Treatment Approach By Brian Alman, PhD

Abstract : Context: Use of hypnosis in medical practice has long been controversial, but recent developments in medical hypnosis--in particular, the understanding that the power of hypnosis resides mainly in the patient--have profound implications for treatment.

Objective: To illustrate and explain the therapeutically useful application of hypnosis in medical practice.

Design: Case series.

Setting: Department of Preventive Medicine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego.

Patients: Five outpatient Health Plan members referred to a department of preventive medicine for alleviation of physical, emotional, or behavioral symptoms.

Main outcome measures: Extent and duration of clinical recovery.

Results: Patients in all five cases had dramatically successful clinical outcomes after three or fewer intensive hypnotherapeutic sessions.

Conclusions: Medical hypnosis is an underutilized therapeutic modality which can be learned easily for everyday use in medical practice, especially when taking the medical history. In this era of emphasis on cost-effectiveness, both medical hypnosis and certain parahypnotic techniques (eg, closed-eye history taking) may be of special interest to physicians.

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COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypnosis/SA00084

Hypnosis: An altered state of consciousness

During hypnosis, you might receive suggestions designed to decrease your perception of pain and increase your ability to cope with it. Alternatively, you might receive suggestions designed to decrease cravings.

Have you ever been totally absorbed while reading a book, cooking or watching a movie? Did you zone out to the point where you didn't notice what else was going on around you? If so, you've experienced a type of trance-like state or focused attention that's similar to what happens to you during hypnosis.

Although its medical uses aren't entirely understood, hypnosis, when provided by a certified hypnotherapist or other qualified clinician, appears to help with a variety of health conditions. These range from helping to control pain to easing the symptoms of asthma.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is an altered state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is usually achieved with the help of a hypnotherapist and is different from your everyday awareness. When you're under hypnosis:

§ Your attention is more focused

§ You're more responsive to suggestions

§ You're more open and less critical or disbelieving

The purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you gain more control over your behavior, emotions or physical well-being.

It's not clear how hypnosis works. However, it appears to affect how your brain communicates with your body through nerve impulses, hormones and body chemicals, such as neuropeptides. Hypnotherapists say that hypnosis creates a state of deep relaxation and quiets the mind. When you're hypnotized, you can concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. You're more open than usual to suggestions, and this can be used to change your behavior and thereby improve your health and well-being.

Who is hypnosis for?

Hypnotherapy has the potential to help relieve the symptoms of a wide variety of diseases and conditions. It can be used independently or along with other treatments. For example, it's one of several relaxation methods for treating chronic pain that has been approved by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health.

According to preliminary studies, hypnotherapy may be used to:

§ Change negative behaviors, such as smoking, bed-wetting and overeating

§ Reduce fear, stress and anxiety

§ Eliminate or decrease the intensity of phobias

§ Treat pain during childbirth and reduce labor time

§ Control pain during dental and surgical procedures

§ Relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

§ Lower blood pressure

§ Control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy

§ Reduce the intensity or frequency of headaches, including migraines

§ Treat and ease the symptoms of asthma

§ Hasten the healing of some skin diseases, including warts, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Although hypnosis may have the potential to help with a wide variety of conditions, it's not a magic bullet. It's typically used as one part of a broader, more comprehensive treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone therapy. Like any other therapy, hypnosis can be very helpful to some people and fail with others. It seems to work best when you're highly motivated and your therapist is well trained and understands your particular problem.

Types of hypnosis

A variety of hypnotic techniques exist. The approach you choose depends on what you want to accomplish as well as your personal preferences. Your hypnotherapist may make a recommendation regarding the best technique for your particular situation.

For example, in one method a hypnotherapist leads you into hypnosis by talking in a gentle, soothing tone and describing images that create a sense of relaxation, security and well-being. While you're under hypnosis, the hypnotherapist suggests ways for you to achieve specific goals, such as reducing pain or stress or helping to eliminate the cravings associated with smoking cessation.

In another technique, once you're under hypnosis the hypnotherapist helps stimulate your imagination by suggesting specific mental images for you to visualize. This conscious creation of vivid, meaningful pictures in your mind is called mental imagery, and it's a powerful way to help bring about what you want to achieve. For instance, hypnotherapists can help athletes visualize what they want to accomplish before they perform it physically, such as shooting baskets or hitting a golf ball.

Self-hypnosis is a third technique. A certified hypnotherapist teaches you how to induce a state of hypnosis in yourself. You then use this skill on your own to help yourself.

Although hypnotherapists, like other health care practitioners, each have their own style, expect some common elements:

§ A typical session lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.

§ The number of sessions can range from one to several.

§ You generally bring yourself out of hypnosis at the end of a session.

§ You can usually resume your daily activities immediately after a session.

Myths about hypnosis

If you've ever seen hypnotism used as entertainment in a stage act, you've probably witnessed several of the myths about hypnosis in action. Legitimate clinical hypnotherapy practiced by a qualified professional is not the same process as that performed on stage.

Myth: When you're under hypnosis, you surrender your free will.
Reality: Hypnosis is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. When you're under hypnosis, you don't lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength.

Myth: When you're under hypnosis, the hypnotherapist controls you.
Reality: You do hypnosis voluntarily for yourself. A hypnotherapist only serves as a knowledgeable guide or facilitator.

Myth: Under hypnosis, you lose consciousness and have amnesia.
Reality: A small number of people who go into a very deep hypnotic state experience spontaneous amnesia. However, most people remember everything that occurred under hypnosis.

Myth: You can be put under hypnosis without your consent.
Reality: Successful hypnosis depends on your willingness to experience it. Even with voluntary participation, not everyone can be led into a hypnotic state.

How to choose a qualified professional

Hypnosis as a practice is not regulated in most states, so it pays to be very careful when selecting a therapist. Certified lay hypnotherapists are individuals who have completed 200 or more hours of training in hypnosis but don't have additional professional health care training. Licensed health care professionals who practice hypnotherapy, such as psychologists, doctors and social workers, are trained in hypnosis in addition to their university training.

Apply the same care in choosing a hypnotherapist as you would a doctor. Ask someone you trust for recommendations. When you find a potential hypnotherapist, ask questions such as:

§ Do you have training in a field such as psychology, medicine, social work or dentistry?

§ Are you licensed in your specialty in this state?

§ Where did you go to school, and where did you do your internship, residency or both?

§ If you're a lay hypnotist, how much training have you had and from what school?

§ What professional organizations do you belong to?

§ How long have you been in practice?

§ What are your fees?

Risks of hypnosis

Hypnosis conducted under the care of a trained therapist is considered safe as a complementary and alternative medicine treatment. Adverse reactions, such as headache, dizziness and nausea, are uncommon and may be the result of poor technique. False memories may be implanted if your hypnotherapist uses leading questions or suggestions â€” avoid this type of hypnosis.