Offsite Research:
Medical hypnosis for hyperemesis gravidarum.
Simon EP, Schwartz J.
Department of Psychology, Tripler Regional Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA. (e-mail: ericsimon@yahoo.com)
Birth 1999 Dec;26(4):248-54
Hyperemesis gravidarum in pregnancy is a serious condition
that is often resistant to conservative treatments. Medical
hypnosis is a well-documented alternative treatment. This
article reviews the empirical studies of medical hypnosis
for treating hyperemesis gravidarum, explains basic concepts,
and details the treatment mechanisms. The importance of a
thorough differential diagnosis and appropriate referrals
is stressed. The article presents three case studies to illustrate
the efficacy of this treatment approach. It is suggested that
medical hypnosis should be considered as an adjunctive treatment
option for those women with hyperemesis gravidarum. It is
also stressed that medical hypnosis can be used to treat common
morning sickness that is experienced by up to 80 percent of
pregnant women. Its use could allow a more comfortable pregnancy
and healthier fetal development, and could prevent cases that
might otherwise proceed to full-blown hyperemesis gravidarum.
The use of hypnosis in emergency medicine.
Peebles-Kleiger MJ.
Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry and Mental Health Sciences, Menninger Clinic, Topeka, Kansas, USA. (e-mail: peeblemj@menninger.edu)
Emergency Medical Clinics of North America 2000 May;18(2):327-38, x
Hypnosis can be a useful adjunct in the emergency department
setting. Its efficacy in various clinical applications has
been replicated in controlled studies. Application to burns,
pain, pediatric procedures, surgery, psychiatric presentations
(e.g., coma, somatoform disorder, anxiety, and posttraumatic
stress), and obstetric situations (e.g., hyperemesis, labor,
and delivery) are described. Negative effects are discussed.
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