A pilot randomized trial assessing the effects of autogenic training in early stage cancer patients in relation to psychological status and immune system responses

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis,  Jul 2004  by Hammond, D Corydon

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Hidderley, M. & Holt, M. (2004). A pilot randomized trial assessing the effects of autogenic training in early stage cancer patients in relation to psychological status and immune system responses. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 8(1), 61-65. Autogenic training (AT) is a structured, German form of self-hypnosis.

In this study, AT was used with a group of early stage cancer patients and the effects were observed on stress-related behaviors and immune system responses. This was a randomized trial with 31 early stage breast cancer women who had received a lumpectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. The women were randomized into two groups, one of which received only a home visit, and a second group who received a home visit and 2 months of weekly autogenic training. At the beginning and end of the 2 monthly periods, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and T- and B-cell markers were measured to assess indications of changes in immune system responses and to measure anxiety and depression. At the completion of the study, HADS scores and T- and B-cell markers remained similar in the women who did not receive AT. The women receiving AT showed a strong statistical difference for an improvement in their HADS scores and those women observed in "a meditative state" as opposed to a relaxed state were found to have an increase in their immune responses. They concluded that AT is a powerful self-help therapy. E-mail address for reprints: margaret.hidderley@sdah-tr.trent.nhs.uk.

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