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Hypnosis to Manage Anxiety and Pain Associated with Colonoscopy

Abstract

Hypnosis is a mind-body intervention that has been used to manage pain and anxiety with reduced sedation during medical procedures. In a clinical study six patients received a hypnotic induction and instruction in self-hypnosis on the day of their colonoscopy. Patients’ levels of anxiety, pain, and satisfaction were obtained using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Results revealed most of the patients experienced very minimal anxiety and pain during colonoscopy, and satisfaction with hypnosis was very positive. The techniques of self-hypnosis for relaxation can be easily learned by patients and has the potential to decrease the requirement for sedation during colonoscopy.