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Hypnosis reduces fear of cancer treatments in children

Hypnosis could help to reduce the fear of medical procedures in children and young people with cancer.

New research led by the University of Exeter found promising evidence that hypnosis can reduce the fear and worry associated with injections and other needle procedures, such as bone marrow aspiration.

Previous research has shown that these procedures often provoke more anxiety in children and young people than the cancer itself. Up to half of children with cancer experience clinically significant emotional distress, which can have a long-lasting effect on mental health.

The Exeter team worked with Devon Integrated Children's Service to analyse all available evidence on the nonpharmacological management of anxiety in this patient group.

The study, published in Psycho-Oncology, analysed data from 15 studies – 8 involving hypnosis and 7 involving other nonhypnosis interventions. The authors found large, statistically significant reductions in anxiety (Cohen's d, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.30-3.30; P<.001) and pain (Cohen’s d, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.41-2.92; P<.001) for hypnosis, particularly compared with treatment as usual. Evidence from nonhypnosis interventions was equivocal, with some promising individual studies. There was high risk of bias across included studies.

Commenting on the findings, Tamsin Ford, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Exeter, said: "Getting a cancer diagnosis of a child is clearly and extremely distressing for both the child and their family. We must do all we can to improve their mental health during this highly emotional time. Hypnosis is inexpensive procedure, and our research found promising evidence that could help to reduce the fear and anxiety of multiple needle procedures. We now need high-quality trials to demonstrate whether hypnosis should be adopted in clinics."


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