THE USE OF HYPNOTHERAPY WITH CANCER PATIENTS

          As far back as 1992 an article in PSYCHIATRIC MEDICINE 1992: 10 (1): 119-31 had a report on the use of hypnosis with cancer patients based on research done by A.A. Levitan at the University of Minnesota.  The following is an abstract of that research.  ABSTRACT   Hypnosis has proven to be extremely valuable in the treatment of cancer patients.  Specific applications include:  establishing rapport between the patient and members of the medical health team; control of pain with self-regulation of pain perception through the use of glove anesthesia, time distortion, amnesia, transference of pain to a different body part, or dissociation of the painful part from the rest of the body; controlling symptoms, such as, nausea, anticipatory emesis, learned food aversions, etc.; psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, hostility, frustration, isolation, and a diminisehed sense of self-esteem; visualization for health improvement; and dealing with death anxiety and other related issues.  Hypnosis has unique advantages for patients including improvement of self-esteem, involvement in self-care, return of locus of control, lack of unpleasant side effects, and continued efficacy despite continued use."