A review of the effects of hypnosis on the immune system in breast cancer patients: A brief communication

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,  Jan 2008  by Wickramasekera, Ian II

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Hudacek, K.D. (2007). A review of the effects of hypnosis on the immune system in breast cancer patients: A brief communication. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(4), 411-425. The author presents two studies of patients using hypnosis to enhance the effectiveness of their immune system to combat cancer and to improve their quality of life.

In one study, the participants learned hypnosis via guided imagery condition and in the other study home visits were employed in training patients to use autogenics. The patients' mood was assessed and also the patients' immunological profile was determined to examine for the possible psychological and mind/body benefits of both interventions. Both patient groups demonstrated improvements in mood and natural killer cell activity at follow-up. The author makes some recommendations for future studies of the possible efficacy of hypnosis in affecting immune system activity and improving longevity in cancer patients. Address for reprints: Kristin D. Hudacek, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 295 John Morgan Building, 3620 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-6055.

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