Academic & Scientific Studies on Hypnosis

When trying to explain to people who are skeptical about hypnosis, I like to remind them that there are literally thousands of academic & medical research papers that qualify it's effectiveness. In this blog I am listing some of the more significant trials that have been conducted, and what they discovered.

Here are some of the more interesting academic findings supporting the efficacy of hypnosis. I have only included trials here that have a statistical quantitative value, rather then qualitative findings. There have literally been thousands of medical, academic and scientific trials undertaken on hypnosis. These, coupled with my own personal observations with my clients, solidly supports the fact that hypnotherapy not just an alternative for treating many conditions, but a primary

90.6% Success Rate for Quitting Smoking
Of 43 trial participants, 39 reported back they had completely quit smoking for 6 months to 3 years after treatment.

Source: University of Washington School of Medicine, Depts. of Anesthesiology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2001 Jul;49(3):257-66. Barber J.

Hypnosis Over 30 Times as Effective for Weight Loss
60 females lost an average of 17 lbs lost by the hypnosis compared to only 0.5 lbs lost by the control group.

Source: Cochrane, Gordon; Friesen, J. (1986). Hypnotherapy in weight loss treatment. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 489-492.

94% Success Rate in Overcoming Narcotic/Methadone Addiction
The experimental group had significantly less discomfort and illicit drug use, and a significantly greater amount of cessation. At six month follow up, 94% of the subjects in the experimental group who had achieved cessation remained narcotic free.

Source: Manganiello AJ, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1984; 26(4): 273-9.

Healed 41% faster from fracture
Study One: Six weeks after an ankle fracture, those in the hypnosis group showed the equivalent of eight and a half weeks of healing.
Study Two: Three groups of people studied after breast reduction surgery. Hypnosis group healed "significantly faster" than supportive attention group and control group.

Source: Harvard Medical School, Carol Ginandes and Union Institute in Cincinnati

77% Success Rate for Overcoming Substance Abuse Disorders
Fifteen cases involved alcohol, two involved cocaine and one involved marijuana. All 18 subjects were given 20 daily hypnosis sessions and then followed up a year later where it was found that using hypnosis in this fashion led to a 77% success rate.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, Jul 2004 vol.47(1) :21-28 . Potter G.

29.2% Reduction in Hay Fever Symptoms
Seventy-nine subjects who were moderately to severely allergic to birch pollen and grass were taught how to practice self-hypnosis to decrease their allergic reactions and increase their feelings of well-being. After the first allergy season was over, the subjects reported that they experienced (on average) a 29.2 % reduction of their symptoms and a 26.2% improvement in their overall well-being, when compared to a control group.

Source: Psychotherapy Psychosom 2005;74:165-172. Langewitza W, Izakovicb J, Wylerc J, Schindlerd C, Kissa A., Bircherb

50% Success Rate for Overcoming Fear of Flying
In this trial, 50% of all subjects overcame their fear of flying with the use of hypnosis.

Source: Spiegel, D. (1998) Report in the Harvard Mental Health Letter, September 1998, vol. 15, p. 5-6

These are just a few examples. If you wish to find more simply Google 'hypnosis academic research' or 'hypnosis effectiveness statistics' and you will find many more interesting studies that have been conducted.

If you would like to experience hypnosis for your self and live near Perth Western Australia - please contact me here for an appointment.