What is the Hypno (Hypnosis) trial?

From the Guidelines

Hypnotherapy should be considered as a complementary approach for managing anxiety symptoms in adults with cancer, particularly during cancer-related diagnostic and treatment procedures, as it has been shown to be effective in improving anxiety symptoms with minimal side effects. The use of hypnotherapy in this context is supported by a recent guideline from the Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO, which recommends hypnosis as a treatment option for anxiety symptoms in adults with cancer 1. This recommendation is based on nine RCTs published between 2005 and 2021, which demonstrated the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing anxiety symptoms during diagnostic and treatment procedures, such as central venous port implantation. Some key points to consider when using hypnotherapy for anxiety symptoms in adults with cancer include:

• Hypnotherapy typically involves 4-8 sessions of 30-60 minutes each, with a certified hypnotherapist guiding the patient through relaxation techniques and therapeutic suggestions.
• The process begins with an induction phase where the patient is guided into a state of focused attention, followed by deepening techniques, therapeutic suggestions tailored to their specific concerns, and finally a gentle return to normal awareness.
• For best results, patients should attend all scheduled sessions, practice self-hypnosis techniques between sessions if recommended, and maintain realistic expectations about outcomes.
• Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind when the patient is in a heightened state of suggestibility, allowing for potential changes in perception, sensation, and behavior. While hypnotherapy is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment, it can be an effective complementary therapy with minimal side effects for many individuals, and its use has been shown to have wider socioeconomic benefits, including improving general well-being, reducing healthcare utilization, and improving quality of life 1.

From the Research

HPYNO TRIAL Overview

• The HPYNO TRIAL is not directly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the studies discuss various aspects of hypertension treatment and management.
• Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and its management is crucial for reducing the risk of CVD 2.
• The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) provides guidelines for the diagnosis, classification, and management of hypertension 2.

Treatment and Management of Hypertension

• The selection of antihypertensive therapies should be based on the presence of concomitant cardiovascular and metabolic conditions, as well as patient-specific factors such as race 2.
• Lifestyle interventions, including regular physical exercise, body weight management, and healthy dietary patterns, can be effective in preventing and treating hypertension 3.
• The 2004 Canadian recommendations for the management of hypertension suggest that most adults with hypertension require more than one agent to achieve target blood pressures, and that thiazide diuretics should be used as initial therapy in most cases 4.

Importance of Evidence-Based Research

• Evidence-based research is essential for ensuring that research is worthwhile and valuable, and for minimizing unnecessary and irrelevant clinical health research 5.
• A comprehensive review of the effects of lifestyle reform, adherence, and related factors on hypertension control highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications in reducing blood pressure and preventing cardiovascular events 6.

Lifestyle Modifications and Hypertension Control

• Maintaining healthy lifestyle factors, such as a healthy body mass index, diet, and physical activity level, can lower systolic blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease 6.
• Conducting lifestyle interventions using health education can improve lifestyle factors and reduce the risk of hypertension 6.
• The joint effect of antihypertensive medications and lifestyle reforms suggests a pathway to reduce hypertension, and highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to hypertension management 6.