title: A pilot investigation of guided self-hypnosis in the treatment of hot flashes among postmenopausal women.
abstract: Previous research has demonstrated that a hypnotic intervention can reduce hot flashes, a significant problem for some women. Based on the authors' previous research, the present study was developed to evaluate the feasibility of a guided self-hypnosis intervention for hot flashes. Thirteen postmenopausal women received 5 sessions of guided self-hypnosis in which all hypnotic inductions were recordings. Guidance regarding symptom monitoring, individualization of mental imagery, and practice of self-hypnosis were provided. Hot flashes were determined through diaries. Results indicated average frequency of hot flashes decreased by 72% (p < .001) and hot-flash scores decreased by 76% (p < .001) on average. Guided self-hypnosis reduced perceived hot flashes in the pilot study with postmenopausal women supporting the possible feasibility and potential benefit of the intervention.
authors.affiliation: Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA. Gary_Elkins@baylor.edu
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elkins
authors.forename: Aimee
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sliwinski
authors.forename: Timothy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Keith
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006990:Hypnosis / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology