title: The use of hypnosis with cancer patients.
abstract: Hypnosis has proven to be extremely valuable in the treatment of cancer patients. Specific applications include: establishing rapport between the patient and members of the medical health team; control of pain with self-regulation of pain perception through the use of glove anesthesia, time distortion, amnesia, transference of pain to a different body part, or dissociation of the painful part from the rest of the body; controlling symptoms, such as, nausea, anticipatory emesis, learned food aversions, etc.; psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, hostility, frustration, isolation, and a diminished sense of self-esteem; visualization for health improvement; and, dealing with death anxiety and other related issues. Hypnosis has unique advantages for patients including improvement of self-esteem, involvement in self-care, return of locus of control, lack of unpleasant side effects, and continued efficacy despite continued use.
authors.affiliation: University of Minnesota, Fridley.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Levitan
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods*; D007092:Imagination; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D059408:Pain Management; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology