Applications of Hypnosis as an Adjuvant in Oncological Settings: A Systematic Review.

Previous research has shown promising results in using hypnosis to treat various symptoms and side effects of medical treatments. The objective was to identify studies that use hypnosis as an adjuvant to evidence-based treatments to evaluate its benefits in patients with cancer. The search identified 873 articles published between 2000 and February 2021, of which 22 were selected using the principles of the PRISMA. Apart from 1 study, all studies showed that interventions improved the measured variables compared to a control group. Most studies showed that hypnosis has positive effects on reducing anxiety, pain, nausea, fatigue, drug use, and length of hospital stays. Hypnosis also improves depressive symptoms, insomnia, hot flashes, well-being, and quality of life, and helps increase adherence to treatment. When used by qualified professionals as an adjuvant to well-established treatments, hypnosis improves symptoms caused by oncological interventions and the disease itself. In addition, hypnosis has no side effects.

Difusión de la hipnosis en prensa online escrita en español / Dissemination of hypnosis in the online press written in Spanish

Las creencias y expectativas sobre hipnosis de pacientes/clientes y de profesionales cualificados influyen en la decisión de usar este procedimiento, así́ como en sus efectos. Por otro lado, en Internet hay mucha información sobre hipnosis, que configura la opinión del público y de los profesionales. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es analizar la calidad de la información difundida por la prensa online no especializada. Se han analizado 334 (de 2011 a 2012) y 200 artículos (de 2018 a 2019) publicados en español en prensa online no especializada. Los resultados muestran que, aunque un elevado número de artículos desmitifica la hipnosis, muchos de ellos difunden mitos al mismo tiempo. El mayor porcentaje de artículos que desmitifican la hipnosis está asociado al tema “Ciencia y Cultura”. Los resultados indican que los mitos están ampliamente presentes en la cultura popular y se mantienen con el apoyo de su continua difusión en los artículos de prensa online. Esto reafirma la importancia de fomentar la difusión de evidencia científica disponible sobre la investigación aplicada y básica sobre hipnosis. (AU)

The patients/clients and the skilled professionals’ beliefs and expectations about hypnosis, influence the decision to use this procedure as well as its effects. On the other hand, in the Internet there is plenty of information about hypnosis, which shapes opinions of public and professionals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the quality of the information disseminated by non-specialized online press. 334 articles (from 2011 to 2012) and 200 articles (from 2018-2019) written in Spanish and published online in non-specialized publications press have been analyzed. Results show that, although a high number of articles demystify hypnosis, many of them disseminate myths as well. The highest percentage ofarticles that demystify hypnosis is associated with the press topic “Science and Culture”. Results indicate that myths are broadly present in the popular culture and are maintained with the support of their ongoing dissemination in the newspapers online articles. This supports the importance of fostering the dissemination of scientific available evidence about applied and basic research on hypnosis. (AU)

Attitudes Toward Hypnosis Based on Source of Information and Experience With Hypnosis.

Attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis are relevant in promoting hypnotic responses, in predicting the efficacy of interventions that include hypnosis, and in reducing iatrogenic effects in hypnotized individuals. The goal of the present study is to test the impact of previous knowledge about hypnosis and past experiences being hypnotized on attitudes and beliefs about hypnosis. A sample of 1,977 Portuguese students participated in the study; they responded to the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-Client Version (VSABH-C) on two different occasions (test-retest method). Significant differences were found (p ≤ 0.001) on participants' attitudes and beliefs about hypnosis depending on the source of knowledge about hypnosis. Results also showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in the multivariate profile analysis of the scale's factors based on whether participants had a previous history of hypnosis and depending on who hypnotized them. Participants who reported no previous knowledge about hypnosis or who acquired their knowledge from nonscientific sources scored significantly higher in the negative factors (fear, memory, magical, and marginal), therefore reporting more negative beliefs. Likewise, these participants scored lower in the positive factors (help, control, collaboration, and interest). Participants who had been previously hypnotized showed higher scores in the positive factors. In addition, when hypnosis had been utilized by a psychologist, these scores were even higher. However, some participants who had been previously hypnotized scored high in some of the negative factors (memory and magical), which indicates that some professionals using hypnosis are fostering some misconceptions about hypnosis.

Valencia Model of Waking Hypnosis: Background, Research, and Clinical Applications.

The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the historical background, methods, and clinical applications of the Valencia Model of Waking Hypnosis (VMWH). The active-alert-waking methods have been developed and used since the 19th century as an alternative when the suggestions for relaxation and drowsiness were not helpful for specific cases, or when the person needed to use hypnotic suggestions in situations that required them to be alert and with their eyes open (i.e. in vivo exposure, sports performance, academic work, etc.). In most of these methods, the hypnotized person keeps their eyes open, and the suggestions given are for alertness, focused attention, mind expansion, and excitement. Physical relaxation is mostly not suggested, but tension or certain physical movements are used to elicit the activation of the hypnotized person. The VMWH consists of a number of methods combined to change attitudes and maximize the effects of the hypnotic suggestions. The procedures have empirical validation, and are straightforward and pleasant for patients as well as easy to learn and apply. It is structured, although its sequence is flexible and can be adapted to the needs of the intervention. Finally, research has revealed that this model has numerous advantages, and is potentially useful in clinical practice. Therefore, its incorporation into therapy may have great benefits for the patients.

A computerized version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 as an ultra-brief screening tool to detect emotional disorders in primary care.

BACKGROUND: The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) is an ultra-brief self-report consisting of a 2-item depression scale (PHQ-2) and a 2-item anxiety scale (GAD-2). The aim of the present study is to determine the psychometric properties of a computerized version of the PHQ-4 used to detect emotional disorders (anxiety and depression) in the primary care setting. METHOD: A total of 1052 patients with suspected anxiety, depression, or somatic symptoms were recruited from 28 primary care centres participating in the PsicAP trial and completed the full version of the computerized PHQ. In addition, 178 of these patients also underwent in clinical interviews as a gold standard. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses showed very good fit indices for a two-factor solution. This model was structurally invariant among the various age and gender groups and internal consistency was acceptable (PHQ-4; α = .83, PHQ-2; α = .86, and GAD-2; α = .76). The best cut-off points to obtain high sensitivity values was 3, on both the PHQ-2 (major depressive disorder) and the GAD-2 (generalized anxiety disorder). The criterion validity (sensitivity and specificity) for the PHQ-2 were .90 and .61 and for the GAD-2, .88 and 0.61. LIMITATIONS: The study was not designed as a prevalence study. Therefore, does not contain information on patients whose general practitioners do not consider them to suffer emotional disorders. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to provide evidence for the reliability and validity of a computerized version of the PHQ-4. This computerized tool can be used to detect depression and anxiety in a primary care setting.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-client Version in a Portuguese Sample.

Research literature about hypnosis highlights the importance of clients' attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis because they promote hypnotic responses and may predict the effectiveness of hypnotic interventions as well as minimize iatrogenic effects for clients. This study analyzes the factorial structure and psychometric properties with confirmatory methodology of the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-Client Version, using a Portuguese sample. We expected to replicate the results obtained in previous research conducted with samples from various countries. The Portuguese sample comprised 1,977 participants. We found a structure of 8 factors, with an adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results are similar to those found in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with samples from other countries.

Hypnosis Attitudes: Treatment Effects and Associations With Symptoms in Individuals With Cancer.

Attitudes about hypnosis are associated with hypnotic responsiveness. However, little is known about how hypnosis attitudes change with treatment and if those changes are associated with better outcomes. This study examined whether an intervention based on the Valencia Model of Waking Hypnosis combined with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy changed attitudes about hypnosis in a sample of patients with a history of cancer. The results indicated that the intervention improved attitudes toward hypnosis, relative to a control intervention, and the improvements remained stable at 3-month follow-up. Analyses also showed that changes in some attitudes were associated with treatment-related improvements. The findings are consistent with the idea that attitudes about hypnosis play a role in hypnosis treatment outcome, supporting the importance of addressing such beliefs at the onset of and throughout treatment.

Hipnosis Clínica: Evaluación de su Eficacia y Calidad de la Investigación en Psicología / Clinical Hypnosis: Evaluation of its efficacy and quality of research in Psychology

Introducción: La hipnosis, es un campo de investigación experimental, pero también un conjunto de procedimientos terapéuticos. La investigación y el conocimiento actualizado sobre su valor clínico son necesarios para profesionales vinculados a la práctica y a la investigación en esta esfera. Objetivo: Valorar la calidad de la investigación sobre la eficacia de la hipnosis clínica en Psicología, así como revisar cualitativamente su evidencia empírica en este campo. Método: En este trabajo se revisaron estudios publicados hasta 2015. Los criterios para la selección de los estudios fueron los de Chambless y Hollon de 1998 y los de Nathan y Gorman de 1998 y 2015. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron: PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Psyke y Psicodoc. Resultados: En relación con la calidad y cantidad predominan los estudios con un rigor metodológico que debe mejorarse, excluyendo el ámbito del dolor. Además, la revisión cualitativa sugiere que no hay evidencias concluyentes sobre la eficacia de la hipnosis como única intervención ni como coadyuvante en Psicología, excepto, de nuevo, para el caso del dolor. Conclusiones: Hasta el momento no se aprecian adelantos significativos relacionados con la eficacia y la calidad de la investigación sobre hipnosis clínica en Psicología. Es perentorio realizar más investigaciones con metodología rigurosa y seguimientos más largos que mejoren la calidad de los estudios(AU)

Introduction: Hypnosis is an experimental field of research, but also a set of therapeutic procedures. Research and updated knowledge about its clinical value are necessary for professionals involved in the practice and research in this field.Objective: To assess the quality of research on the efficacy of clinical hypnosis in Psychology, as well as to review qualitatively its empirical evidence in this field. Method: In this paper studies published until the year 2015 were reviewed. The criteria for selection of studies reviewed were those of Chambless and Hollonof 1998 and Nathan and Gorman (1998, 2015). The databases examined were PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Psyke and Psicodoc. Results: Regarding the quality and quantity, predominated studies with methodological rigor to be improved, excluding the area of ​​pain. In addition, qualitative review suggests that there is no conclusive evidence on the efficiency of hypnosis as unique intervention or as an adjunct in psychology, except, again, for the case of pain. Conclusions: So far, no significant developments relevant to efficiency and quality of research on clinical hypnosis in Psychology are appreciated. More research is imperative, with rigorous methodology and longer follow-ups to improve the quality of the studies(AU)

Hipnosis Clínica: Evaluación de su Eficacia y Calidad de la Investigación en Medicina / Clinical Hypnosis: Assessment of its Effectiveness and the Quality of the Investigation of it in Medicine

Introducción: La utilización de la hipnosis para condiciones médicas es muy antigua, ha progresado con el paso del tiempo a partir de estudios cada vez mejor diseñados, razón por la que se considera importante el conocimiento de su valor terapéutico. Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la investigación sobre la eficacia de la hipnosis clínica en Medicina, así como sistematizar su evidencia empírica en este campo. Método: En este trabajo se revisaron estudios publicados hasta el 2015. Los criterios para la selección de los estudios fueron los de Chambless y Hollon de 1998 y los de Nathan y Gorman (1998, 2015). Las bases de datos consultadas fueron: PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Psyke y Psicodoc. Resultados: La hipnosis se considera eficaz como coadyuvante a la terapia cognitivo-comportamental para varias condiciones médicas, como coadyuvante es probablemente eficaz en procederes oncológicos y odontológicos y una intervención prometedora en la diabetes y el virus del papiloma humano. Desde el 2009 hasta el 2015se han producido un incremento de estudios, aunque como tendencia la calidad de las investigaciones no ha mejorado, y la inclusión de la hipnosis en guías de intervención no está lo suficientemente extendida. Conclusiones: Se considera importante la realización de futuros estudios con metodologías más rigurosas, sobre todo en áreas de la medicina que todavía no cuentan con estudios de suficiente calidad, así como, la formación de los profesionales de la salud en su manejo y la inclusión de la hipnosis en protocolos médicos en las áreas donde hay suficiente evidencia(AU)

Introduction: The use of hypnosis for medical conditions is very old, and it has progressed with the time from studies better and better designed. Thats why, it is considered important the knowledge of its therapeutic value. Objective: Assess the quality of the investigation about the effectiveness of clinical hypnosis in Medicine, and systematize its empirical evidence in this field. Methods: Studies published up to 2015 were reviewed in this paper. Chambless and Hollons (1998) and Nathan and Gormans (1998, 2015) criteria were taken into account for the selection of the studies. PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Psyke and Psicodoc were the database consulted.Results: Hypnosis is considered effective as something that helps cognitive-behavioral therapy for several medical conditions. It is probably effective in oncological and odontological procedures, and a promising intervention in diabetes and the human papilloma virus. Since 2009 till 2015 there has been an increase of studies about hypnosis, however as a tendency, the quality of the investigations has not improved, and the inclusion of it in intervention guides is not sufficiently extended. Conclusions: Future studies using more thorough methodology, above all in some fields of Medicine that do not have studies of good quality yet, as well as the training of health professionals in the management of hypnosis, and the inclusion of it in medical protocols in areas where there is enough evidence, are considered very important(AU)

Análisis factorial confirmatorio de la escala Valencia de actitudes y creencias hacia la hipnosis (versión cliente revisada), en una muestra española / Confirmatory factor analysis of the valencia scale of attitudes and beliefs toward hypnosis (revised client version), with a spanish sample

Diversas aproximaciones a la hipnosis han destacado la relevancia de las actitudes y creencias sobre ella para la promoción de las respuestas hipnóticas, para predecir la eficacia de las intervenciones que incluyen a la hipnosis, y para evitar iatrogenia en los usuarios que la reciben. El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar la nueva variación en castellano de La Escala de Valencia de Actitudes y Creencias hacia la Hipnosis versión Cliente. Se ha analizado su estructura factorial y propiedades psicométricas con metodología confirmatoria, usando una muestra exclusivamente española, para observar si se confirman los resultados de anteriores investigaciones exploratorias y confirmatorias realizadas con muestras de diferentes países. Se ha usado una muestra de 1.678 estudiantes universitarios españoles. Los resultados muestran una estructura de 8 factores (Miedo, Memoria, Ayuda, Control, Colaboración, Interés, Mágica y Marginal) y obtiene índices adecuados de consistencia interna y fiabilidad test-retest, resultados similares a los encontrados en análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios con muestras de diferentes países

Several approaches to hypnosis have highlighted the importance of attitudes and beliefs on it to promote hypnotic responses, their power to predict the efficacy of interventions that include hypnosis, as well as to generate or prevent iatrogenic reactions in patients. The goal of this study is to investigate the new variation of the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis Client version, written in Castilian. The scale was analyzed using confirmatory methodology to obtain its factor structure and psychometric properties, in order to confirm the results of previous exploratory and confirmatory research, with samples from different countries.A sample of 1.678 Spanish university students was used this time. Data show an eight factors structure (Fear, Memory, Help, Control, Collaboration, Interest, Magic and Marginal), and an appropriate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Results are similar to those found in previous exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis conducted in different countries

Waking self-hypnosis efficacy in cognitive-behavioral treatment for pathological gambling: an effectiveness clinical assay.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy for pathological gambling has a long-term success rate of more than 50%. This study evaluated the effect of self-hypnosis in cognitive-behavioral treatment of pathological gamblers. Forty-nine participants were assigned to 2 groups. Both groups received a cognitive-behavioral protocol, and Group 1, the no-hypnosis group, received an 11-session intervention and Group 2, the hypnosis group, received 7 sessions that included self-hypnosis. Both groups were equal in gambling chronicity, frequency, intensity, change motivation, and problems derived from gambling. All participants reported significant improvement in gambling behavior and consequences at both treatment end and 6-month follow-up. Data show no differences between the interventions in abstinence, therapeutic compliance, fulfillment, and satisfaction. Results suggest that self-hypnosis reinforces treatment and can be a supportive technique for future brief interventions.

Psicooncología pediátrica / Pediatric Psycho-Oncology

La psicooncología pediátrica, entre otras, estudia por qué el cáncer, además de ser una enfermedad crónica que amenaza la vida de quien la padece, es una enfermedad que simboliza el sufrimiento de la persona enferma y su familia. El tratamiento del cáncer infantil implica un régimen médico exigente en el que los niños y sus familias se enfrentan a múltiples factores estresantes, que provocan cambios considerables en las actividades diarias; por ejemplo, alteración de los roles familiares y sociales, temor a la adhesión al tratamiento y una constante amenaza de muerte. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar, por medio de una revisión teórica, el papel de la psicooncología pediátrica y el progreso de sus herramientas de intervención psicológica. Se revisan las diferentes aportaciones sobre la comprensión de la enfermedad, las reacciones físicas, psicológicas y sociales del niño enfermo, la familia y el personal sanitario. Además, se proponen los recursos necesarios para la reducción del malestar físico y psicológico del niño y su familia durante la enfermedad.

Pediatric oncology study why cáncer, in addition to being a chronic disease that threatens the patient's life, is a disease that symbolizes the suffering of the sick person and his family. The treatment of childhood cáncer involves a demanding medical regimen in which children and their families face with multiple stressors, which cause significant changes in the everyday activities, disruption of family and social roles, the fear of treatment adherence, and a constant threat of death. The present work aims to show through a theoretical review, the role of the pediatric psychooncology, and the progress of its psychological intervention. Different contributions to the understanding of the disease, physical, psychological and social reactions of the sick child, the family and the medical staff have been reviewed. Resources needed for the reduction of the physical and psychological discomfort of the child and his family during the disease are also showed.

Attitudes about hypnosis: factor analyzing the VSABTH-C with an American sample.

In the present study, the authors factor-analyzed responses from 1,141 American undergraduate students to the Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Hypnosis-Client Version. They obtained an 8-factor solution accounting for 66% of the total variance in responses. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit of their model and those reported earlier by Carvalho et al. (2007) and Capafons, Mendoza, et al. (2008) using Portuguese and international samples, respectively. Unlike previous factor analyses of the scale, the authors obtained an independent clusters solution. Distinctions between the authors' model and those reported previously are discussed.

Impact of a lecture about empirical bases of hypnosis on beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis among Cuban health professionals.

The aim of this study was to examine whether a lecture on hypnosis can modify attitudes and misconceptions about hypnosis. The sample consisted of 97 health professionals from institutions in Havana City, Cuba. Group 1 consisted of 46 participants who received a lecture on hypnosis. Group 2 consisted of 51 participants who received a lecture about urology. and Beliefs toward Hypnosis-Therapist was applied before and after the lecture. Results indicated that there were significant differences between the groups: Group 1 showed more positive attitudes toward hypnosis. However, both groups showed similar misconceptions about hypnosis and memory, which changed significantly in Group 1 after receiving the lecture about hypnosis but not in Group 2. Therefore, the lecture about hypnosis had a significant impact in correcting participants' misconceptions about memory and hypnosis.

Creencias y actitudes hacia la hipnosis de los psicólogos españoles / Beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis of Spanish psychologists

El objetivo de este estudio es analizar las creencias y actitudes hacia la hipnosis de los colegiados para informar al Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Psicólogos de las necesidades deformación sobre hipnosis, así como analizar las respuestas en función de los Colegios de los participantes. Para ello se aplicó la Escala de Valencia de Actitudes y Creencias hacia la Hipnosis-Terapeuta a una muestra de 2.434 colegiados españoles. Los resultados indican que los colegiados que respondieron a la escala tienen, en general, creencias ajustadas sobre la hipnosis y una actitud positiva hacia la misma. No se encontraron diferencias entre los distintos COP en cuanto a creencias y actitudes hacia la hipnosis. Sin embargo, esta interpretación no está sustentada por pruebas de significación estadística debido al tamaño reducido de las muestras de los diferentes COP. Dada la baja respuesta por parte de los profesionales sería positivo que los COP realizaran de nuevo esta investigación aumentando la muestra, y llevaran a cabo acciones de difusión del conocimiento científico de la hipnosis. Esto ayudaría a favorecer un uso eficaz y no iatrogénico dela hipnosis (AU)

The aims of this study are to analyze Spanish psychologists’ beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis and to examine the responses obtained in different branches of the Spanish Psychological Association. The results will be useful for this Association in order to know psychologists’ needs of training in hypnosis. The Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis-Therapist was applied to 2434 Spanish psychologists. Results indicated that participants, in general, hold correct beliefs about hypnosis and showed a positive attitude toward it. No differences in beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis were found among different branches of the Association. Because of the fact that there was a low response, it would be worthwhile for the different branches of the Spanish PsychologicalAssociation to repeat this research, increasing the sample size and offering scientific information about hypnosis. This would be very helpful to promote the efficacious and non-iatrogenic use of hypnosis (AU)

[Beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis of Spanish psychologists]. / Creencias y actitudes hacia la hipnosis de los psicólogos españoles.

The aims of this study are to analyze Spanish psychologists' beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis and to examine the responses obtained in different branches of the Spanish Psychological Association. The results will be useful for this Association in order to know psychologists' needs of training in hypnosis. The Valencia Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs toward Hypnosis-Therapist was applied to 2434 Spanish psychologists. Results indicated that participants, in general, hold correct beliefs about hypnosis and showed a positive attitude toward it. No differences in beliefs and attitudes toward hypnosis were found among different branches of the Association. Because of the fact that there was a low response, it would be worthwhile for the different branches of the Spanish Psychological Association to repeat this research, increasing the sample size and offering scientific information about hypnosis. This would be very helpful to promote the efficacious and non-iatrogenic use of hypnosis.

Eficacia de la hipnosis clínica: Resumen de su evidencia empírica / No disponible

La hipnosis es una intervención clínica valiosa en el tratamiento de una amplia variedad de problemas psicológicos y médicos, ayudandoa la mejora de la calidad de vida de muchos pacientes. Este artículo revisa el estado de la evidencia empírica de la eficaciade la hipnosis, teniendo en cuenta los resultados de la investigación más rigurosa al respecto, así como los de otros estudios que, apesar de no cumplir unos criterios metodológicos rigurosos, poseen relevancia clínica. En general, y según la investigación revisada,cuando se utiliza la hipnosis como un coadyuvante a otras intervenciones médico psicológicas, incrementa la eficacia y/o eficienciade tales intervenciones. Asimismo, la eficacia de la hipnosis está bien establecida en diversas aplicaciones clínicas, especialmente elmanejo del dolor y otras condiciones médicas, existiendo evidencia aceptable de su eficacia en el tratamiento de la depresión, lostrastornos del sueño, dejar de fumar, la obesidad, el asma y la enuresis infantil. De acuerdo con la investigación publicada hasta lafecha, está justificada la realización de investigaciones que utilicen estudios controlados con muestras de tamaño adecuado. Así mismo,es esencial establecer la eficacia de la hipnosis en otras áreas aún por investigar (AU)

Hypnosis is a potentially valuable clinical intervention for the treatment of a wide variety of both psychological and medical problemsas well as for the improvement of patients’ quality of life. This paper reviews the state of the evidence of the efficacy of hypnosis summarizingthe results of empirical research, together with other studies with clinical relevance despite that they do not fulfill stringentmethodological criteria. Overall, findings of research indicate that hypnosis used as an adjunctive to other medical or psychologicalinterventions increases the efficacy and/or efficiency of these interventions. Moreover, hypnosis efficacy is well established in certainclinical applications, especially pain management and several medical conditions, and there is acceptable evidence of its efficacy intreating depression, sleep disorders, smoking cessation, weight reduction, asthma, and enuresis in children. According to the findingsto date, continued research using randomized, controlled methodologies as well as adequate sample sizes is well justified, and it isessential in order to establish the efficacy of hypnosis in other areas of knowledge (AU)

The contributions of Ramon y Cajal and other Spanish authors to hypnosis.

The authors review the most important Spanish contributions to hypnosis during the 19th and 20th centuries, with emphasis on the work of Santiago Ramon y Cajal, winner of the 1906 Nobel Prize in medicine. It is widely accepted that he provided a basic foundation for modern neurosciences with his work on neuronal staining and synaptic transmission. What is missing in most accounts of his work is his longstanding interest and work on hypnosis and anomalous phenomena. This article summarizes that lost legacy, discusses other Spanish hypnosis pioneers and gives a brief overview of current hypnosis activities in Spain.

Hypnotic treatment synergizes the psychological treatment of fibromyalgia: a pilot study.

In this pilot study, we compare the efficacy for fibromyalgia of multimodal cognitive behavioral treatments, with and without hypnosis, with that of a purely pharmacological approach, with a multiple baseline N = 1 design. We randomly assigned six hospital patients to the three experimental conditions. The results suggest that psychological treatment produces greater symptom benefits than the conventional medical treatment only, especially when hypnosis is added. We conclude that hypnosis may be a useful tool to help people with fibromyalgia manage their symptomatology.