Empirical findings on the use of hypnosis in medicine: A critical review

Recent changes in health care have been characterized by an increased demand for empirically supported treatments in medicine. Presently, there is moderate support for the integration of hypnotic techniques in the treatment of a number of medical problems. This critical review of the research literature focuses on the empirical research on the effectiveness of hypnotic treatments as adjuncts to medical care for anxiety related to medical and dental procedures, asthma, dermatological diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, hemorrhagic disorders, nausea and emesis in oncology, and obstetrics/gynecology. Wider acceptance of hypnosis as an intervention to assist with medical care will require further research.