The effect of hypnotherapy on the hospital anxiety in three children with cancer: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The cancer-related psychological stress may causes anxiety in patients. The present study aimed to determine the effect of hypnotherapy on the hospital anxiety in children with cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case report, in which a total of 3 female children with cancer were recruited using voluntary response sampling. Classical hypnotherapy was conducted for patients in eight treatment sessions with a one-month post-intervention follow-up. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at five stages including before the intervention, third, fifth and eighth hypnotherapy sessions, and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using a statistical report on the recovery rate and effect size. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The results showed that hypnotherapy had a significant and positive effect on the hospital anxiety, in the treatment and follow-up stages. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon the results, it can be stated that hypnotherapy is a promising approach in reducing the hospital anxiety in children with cancer.