title: Hypnosis to manage anxiety and pain associated with colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening: Case studies and possible benefits.
abstract: This study explored using hypnosis for pain and anxiety management in 6 colonoscopy patients (5 men, 1 woman), who received a hypnotic induction and instruction in self-hypnosis on the day of their colonoscopy. Patients' levels of anxiety were obtained before and after the hypnotic induction using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Following colonoscopy, VASs were used to assess anxiety and pain during colonoscopy, perceived effectiveness of hypnosis, and patient satisfaction with medical care. Hypnotizability was assessed at a separate appointment. The authors also obtained data (time for procedure, number of vasovagal events, and recovery time) for 10 consecutive patients who received standard care. Results suggest that hypnosis appears to be a feasible method to manage anxiety and pain associated with colonoscopy, reduces the need for sedation, and may have other benefits such as reduced vasovagal events and recovery time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7334, USA. Gary_Elkins@baylor.edu
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elkins
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Parita
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marcus
authors.forename: Michelle M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Perfect
authors.forename: Guy H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Montgomery
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000523:psychology*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome