Anxiety Reduction in Preoperative Adults
This study investigates the potential effectiveness of hypnotherapy in the reduction of preoperative anxiety. Seventy eight participants were randomly assigned into one of three treatment groups. The first group received standard hospital care. The second group received attention-control therapy consisting of listening and support without hypnotherapy. The third group received hypnotherapy treatment which included suggestions for well-being. Pre and post intervention anxiety was measured. A third anxiety measurement taken after entrance into the operating theatre, immediately prior to surgery.
Patients in the hypnosis group showed significantly reduced levels of anxiety post-intervention compared to the other two control groups. The most dramatic differences were seen between the three groups immediately prior to surgery. The hypnosis group recorded a 56% reduction in anxiety compared with baseline anxiety. The attention-control group showed a 10% increase in anxiety and the standard treatment control group showed 47% increase in anxiety. This study strongly supports the use of hypnosis in the prevention of preoperative anxiety.