Hypnosis and Asthma

A review of the treatment of asthma with hypnosis, published in 2000, found significant data to suggest that hypnosis may be an effective treatment. Studies have consistently demonstrated an effect of hypnosis with asthma but more studies are needed before it can be concluded that hypnosis is always effective. Existing data suggest that hypnosis efficacy is enhanced in subjects who are susceptible to hypnosis, with experienced investigators, when administered over several sessions. Children in particular appear to respond well to hypnosis as a tool for improving asthma symptoms.
Reprted in Journal of Asthma, Feb 2000

Hypnotherapy for headaches in children

Chronic and episodic headaches in children and adolescents are a common problem and this German study looked for treatments other than the use of drugs. Two groups were given five sessions of treatment at weekly intervals. One group received hypnotherapy while the other received behavior therapy and talks to the doctor. Both types of treatments were effective but hypnotherapy was superior in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches and in the patients' ability to control their headaches and well-being.
Reported in Forschende Komplementärmedizin 1999;6:44-46

Hypnosis reduces distress in children undergoing medical procedures

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a commonly performed procedure in children suffering kidney problems in which a catheter is inserted into the urethra and can be painful, frightening and embarrassing. In California, 44 children with an average age of 7.6 undergoing VCUG were divided into two groups, one receiving hypnosis before and during treatment, the other receiving routine care. Parents and children in the hypnosis group reported significantly less fear and trauma than the other group and medical staff found the procedure could be completed on average 14 minutes faster.
Reported in January 2005 in Pediatrics, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Hypnotherapy for bed-wetting in boys

Research published in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association in 2004 showed the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis). 12 boys aged between 8 and 16 who suffered from bedwetting almost every night were treated with 2 to 8 sessions of hypnotherapy. Nine of the twelve boys were virtually dry at 3 months and 1 year after treatment. Natural News

Hypnotherapy for Children With Abdominal Pain or IBS

Hypnotherapy, already known to be an effective treatment for adults with IBS, was also highly effective in the treatment of children with longstanding abdominal pain or IBS. This study was carried out in the netherlands with 53 patients aged 8-18 years. Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association 2007