Randomized trial of a hypnosis intervention for treatment of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Hot flashes are a significant problem for many breast cancer survivors. Hot flashes can cause discomfort, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. A well-tolerated and effective mind-body treatment for hot flashes would be of great value. On the basis of previous case studies, this study was developed to evaluate the effect of a hypnosis intervention for hot flashes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Sixty female breast cancer survivors with hot flashes were randomly assigned to receive hypnosis intervention (five weekly sessions) or no treatment. Eligible patients had to have a history of primary breast cancer without evidence of detectable disease and 14 or more weekly hot flashes for at least 1 month. The major outcome measure was a bivariate construct that represented hot flash frequency and hot flash score, which was analyzed by a classic sums and differences comparison. Secondary outcome measures were self-reports of interference of hot flashes on daily activities.

RESULTS:

Fifty-one randomly assigned women completed the study. By the end of the treatment period, hot flash scores (frequency x average severity) decreased 68% from baseline to end point in the hypnosis arm (P < .001). Significant improvements in self-reported anxiety, depression, interference of hot flashes on daily activities, and sleep were observed for patients who received the hypnosis intervention (P < .005) in comparison to the no treatment control group.

CONCLUSION:

Hypnosis appears to reduce perceived hot flashes in breast cancer survivors and may have additional benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression, and improved sleep.

• Authors: Gary Elkins, Joel Marcus, Vered Stearns, Michelle Perfect, M Hasan Rajab, Christopher Ruud, Lynne Palamara, Timothy Keith
• Journal: Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (J Clin Oncol) Vol. 26 Issue 31 Pg. 5022-6 (Nov 01 2008) ISSN: 1527-7755 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 18809612 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal

Topics

• Activities of Daily Living
• Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal (adverse effects)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Female
• Hot Flashes (chemically induced, physiopathology, prevention & control, psychology)
• Humans
• Hypnosis
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Severity of Illness Index
• Sleep
• Survivors (psychology)
• Treatment Outcome