*4.1.1 The potentials of hypnosis in the treatment of depressive disorders*

Employment of more therapeutic techniques and procedures in the treatment of depression as in the treatment of any other psychological disorder make better chances of successful outcomes [35]. Hypnosis employed in many ways in a goaldirected fashion as a highly efficient and flexible tool makes it suitable to be incorporated into the treatment of depression. It may be used to reduce anxiety, increase responsiveness, interrupt negative ruminations, and establish positive expectancy [35]. In rigid and distorted patterns of thinking or interpreting events, hypnosis may be used more intensely to facilitate flexibility [35]. Alladin and Alibhai's [36] study of 2007 represents the first comparison of a treatment using hypnosis as an adjunct to a well-established psychological therapy for depression (Beck's Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression) [36].

**31**

*4.2.3 Emesis*

*Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: The Role of Traditional Versus Alternative Approach*

The 1996 report by the National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Panel considered an effective and viable solution for the treatment of pain associated with cancer and many other chronic pain conditions [37]. Hypnotherapy has also been reported effective for anxiolysis in acute pain, analgesia, and emesis [38]. Brugnoli et al. [39] also reported the effectives of hypnosis for anxiety management as an adjunct therapy for patients receiving palliative care in chronic diseases conditions.

Hypnosis has been used as an adjunct cognitive behavior therapy for smoking cessation. Combined hypnotic and cognitive behavior therapy treatment for smoking cessation was found to be superior to a wait-list control condition as [40]. In 1988, these results were replicated in a study comparing larger sample sizes with the

The Ericksonian hypnosis supports nursing goals of honoring and respecting patient individuality, and, therefore, has been advocated for use in mental health

As suggested by some early literature, many allergies have an emotional basis, thus could be treated using a hypnotic approach [43]. However, studies have shown that hypnosis may alter body's physiological response to various stimuli [44]. The positive effects of social support on natural killer cell activity and cortisol levels have been shown by some researchers, this has implications for cancer progression [45].

A strong potential of hypnosis for managing impotence has been documented in the medical literature since 1960s [39], and this claim has been supported by recent clinical trials, 88% success rate was reported using hypnosis for impotence in almost 3000 patients [46]. Using hypnosis and acupuncture, 75% success rate was

Many a times, chemotherapy is associated with adverse effects of nausea and vomiting, these unwanted side effects among others are reduced by hypnotherapy. The need for antiemetic drugs was reduced significantly by using hypnosis to manage chemotherapeutic adverse effects in children with anticipatory nausea and vomiting [48].

One of the commonest disorders found in the practice of gastroenterology is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the etiology of which is complex, emotional stress, anger, and depression negatively affect IBS, thereby worsening the symptoms of the

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.91619*

*4.1.3 Cessation of smoking*

same conditions [41].

nursing by Zahourek [42].

*4.2.1 Management of allergy*

*4.2.2 Treatment of impotence*

recorded in treating impotence [47].

*4.2.4 Management of gastrointestinal disorders*

*4.1.2 Treatment of anxiety disorders using hypnosis*

*4.1.4 Use of hypnosis in mental health nursing*

**4.2 Medical applications of hypnosis**
