Evidence-Based Research on the Efficacy of Hypnotherapy
Numerous studies demonstrate hypnotherapy's efficacy in addressing various issues. While these results are overwhelmingly promising, few studies meet the gold standard of scientific research - not due to hypnotherapy’s lack of efficacy, but rather to limited funding to date.
However, one recent study stands out in meeting these high standards. An investigator-masked, randomized control trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) demonstrates hypnotherapy's effectiveness - and in some cases, superiority - compared to prescription medication for overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. A summary of this study and a link to the full publication are provided here and in the first link below.
Below that is a list of some of the other research that demonstrates the efficacy of hypnotherapy across different applications. Despite the lack of well-funded studies, a comprehensive systematic review of existing hypnotherapy research found that an overwhelming 99.2% of outcomes showed positive effects of hypnosis across various mental and somatic health concerns.
By presenting this evidence-based information, the aim is to highlight the scientific backing behind hypnotherapy and its potential as a complementary treatment option. Whether you're a healthcare professional, a potential client, or simply curious about the field, these studies provide a foundation for understanding the current state of hypnotherapy research.
Hypnosis for Overactive Bladder
This NIH-funded study involved 152 women and compared hypnotherapy to medication (solifenacin) for treating overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). The study found that hypnotherapy was equally effective as medication, with an 85% reduction in UUI episodes. Participants who were highly responsive to hypnosis showed even better results, suggesting hypnotherapy as a superior alternative for these individuals.
Hypnosis for Pain Management
This comprehensive meta-analysis included 85 controlled trials with 3,632 participants, demonstrating that hypnosis interventions had a significant medium-sized effect on pain outcomes compared to standard care.
Hypnosis for IBS
This study involved 101 patients and showed that gut-directed hypnotherapy was superior to standard medical treatment in improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The benefits of hypnotherapy persisted at long-term follow-up, making it a promising option for IBS management.
Hypnosis for Hot Flashes
This randomized controlled trial with 187 post-menopausal women found that hypnosis effectively reduced hot flashes and associated symptoms compared to a structured-attention control condition. The study supports the use of hypnosis as a non-pharmacological treatment for hot flashes.
Hypnosis for Surgical Patients
This controlled study of 200 patients undergoing surgery showed that those who received hypnosis experienced less pain, anxiety, and medication use compared to controls. The findings suggest that hypnosis can enhance patient comfort and reduce the need for pain medication during the perioperative period.
Comprehensive Overview of Hypnosis
This systematic review included 49 meta-analyses with 261 distinct primary studies, showing positive effects of hypnosis on various mental and somatic health issues. The study found positive effects of hypnosis on a wide range of conditions, including pain management, anxiety disorders, depression, and certain physical health problems.
Hypnosis for Weight Loss
A study of 60 overweight females showed that hypnosis was more effective than a control group, with an average of 17 lbs lost by the hypnosis group vs. 0.5 lbs by the control group.
Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral therapy for obesity
A meta-analysis of 18 studies showed that those who received hypnosis lost more weight than 90% of those not receiving hypnosis and maintained the weight loss two years after treatment.
"The moment you change your perception is the moment you rewrite the chemistry of your body."
-Dr. Bruce Lipton (Cell Biologist)
Land Acknowledgment
I live and work on the ancestral and present-day homelands of the Manso people, the Piro-Manso-Tiwa tribe, and the shared traditional territories of the Suma, Jumano, Jocome, Mescalero Apache, Warm Springs Apache, Chiricahua Apache, Jano, Conchos, Manso, Piro, Tapaxkolmeh, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Tortugas, and other Indigenous Peoples throughout time. I pay my respects to their elders, past and present, and honor their history, culture, and ongoing stewardship of this land.
Disclaimer
Hypnotherapy is an educational and self-improvement process that facilitates access to a person’s internal resources to assist him/her/them in solving problems, increasing motivation, or altering behavior patterns to create positive change. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychotherapy. Carolyn does not practice medicine or psychotherapy and her services are not a replacement for counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric, or medical treatment. No service or product provided is intended to diagnose or treat any disease or illness, or psychological or mental condition.
Medical Support Hypnotherapy:
Medical support hypnotherapy is used only as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment. Consultation with a licensed physician is required before medical support hypnotherapy services are provided. Learn more about medical support hypnotherapy here.
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