Use of hypnosis in controlling lumbar puncture distress in an adult needle-phobic dementia patient.

Lumbar punctures are often vital to the medical management of patients with suspected organic pathology, yet they are commonly met with such distress that medical risk is significantly increased, and patient rapport is significantly decreased, further compromising medical treatment. Although the use of hypnosis for lumbar punctures is well established in pediatric patients, no literature exists for adult patients. Similarly, there is no extant research regarding hypnosis for dementia patients, likely due to the limiting factors of impaired attention and concentration. With these factors in mind, a method for incorporating hypnosis into a lumbar puncture procedure is described for a needle-phobic adult patient suffering from dementia.

Medical hypnosis for temporomandibular disorders: treatment efficacy and medical utilization outcome.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a particular behavioral medicine treatment modality, medical hypnosis, on reducing the pain symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who were recalcitrant to conservative treatment for TMD participated in a medical hypnosis treatment program and completed measures of their pain symptoms on 4 separate occasions: during wait list, before treatment, after treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up. In addition, pretreatment and posttreatment medical use were examined. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of this open trial suggests that medical hypnosis is a potentially valuable treatment modality for TMD. Patients reported a significant decrease in pain frequency (F [3, 87] = 14.79, P<.001), pain duration (F [3, 87] = 9.56, P<.001), and pain intensity (F [3, 87] = 15.08, P<. 001), and an increase in daily functioning. Analysis suggests that their symptoms did not simply spontaneously improve, and that their treatment gains were maintained for 6 months after hypnosis treatment. Further, after hypnosis treatment, patients exhibited a significant reduction in medical use. CONCLUSION: Medical hypnosis appears to be an effective treatment modality for TMD, in terms of reducing both symptoms and medical use.

The sodium pentothal hypnosis interview with follow-up treatment for complex regional pain syndrome.

A patient who was unresponsive to multiple conservative medical treatments for complex regional pain syndrome was assessed using a novel approach--the sodium pentothal hypnosis interview. The interview suggested that his pain was centrally generated. The patient's pain symptoms resolved with hypnotherapeutic treatment. Indications for this procedure and implications for assessment and treatment are discussed. This case raises more questions than it answers, and leaves the reader to struggle with current difficulties in diagnostic decision-making.

Hypnosis using a communication device to increase magnetic resonance imaging tolerance with a claustrophobic patient.

This is a case report of a patient who prematurely terminated two previous magnetic resonance imaging procedures because of his highly claustrophobic condition. The patient was induced into a hypnotic trance twice before his third magnetic resonance imaging examination and he was given posthypnotic suggestions for decreased anxiety and increased physiologic control. Using a communication device with headphones on the patient, he was induced into a trance as he entered the magnet. This patient was successfully able to cope with this procedure and reported great satisfaction with treatment.

Medical hypnosis for hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy is a serious condition that is often resistant to conservative treatments. Medical hypnosis is a well-documented alternative treatment. This article reviews the empirical studies of medical hypnosis for treating hyperemesis gravidarum, explains basic concepts, and details the treatment mechanisms. The importance of a thorough differential diagnosis and appropriate referrals is stressed. The article presents three case studies to illustrate the efficacy of this treatment approach. It is suggested that medical hypnosis should be considered as an adjunctive treatment option for those women with hyperemesis gravidarum. It is also stressed that medical hypnosis can be used to treat common morning sickness that is experienced by up to 80 percent of pregnant women. Its use could allow a more comfortable pregnancy and healthier fetal development, and could prevent cases that might otherwise proceed to full-blown hyperemesis gravidarum.

Clinical applications of hypnotherapy in a medical setting.

Since 1958, hypnosis has been recognized by the American Medical Association as a legitimate form of medical treatment when administered by an appropriately trained practitioner. With the prevalence of certification societies and international organizations, the specialty has increased its level of professionalism and clinical applications. However, in spite of increased exposure and utilization of this unique clinical application, its use within medical settings varies considerably. The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of clinical hypnosis and offer clinical applications, with the goal of increasing its exposure and utilization within medical settings.