The Use of Self-Hypnosis by Children with Cancer

Abstract

This is a clinical report relating the experience gained in 24 months of study of 27 children using contemporary medical hynosis in combating some aspects of malignancies. The afflicted children, aged 4 to 20, were trained at Childrens Hospital in Denver in group trance sessions to induce trance in themselves. Varying degrees of success are recorded, from poor to excellent. The anxiety which was the common experience of all concerned is recognized; its alleviation through denial is discussed. Obtained with the trance state were more rest, easier and longer sleep, more adequate food and fluid intake and retention, and greater tolerance for and manageability during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Fear, anxiety, depression, overdetermined response to discomfort, and anticipatory vomiting prior to treatment were diminished. A net positive opinion of the value of this adjunctive treatment is shared by the authors.