Elkins, G., Marcus, J., Stearns, V., & Rajab, M.H. (2007). Pilot evaluation of hypnosis for the treatment of hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology, 16, 487–492.

The study looked at the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating hot flashes in breast cancer survivors.

Each participant received four weekly sessions of hypnosis using a standardized transcript and was instructed in self-hypnosis.

Sixteen breast cancer survivors were enrolled.

This was a pilot study.

Participants kept daily diaries of the frequency and severity of their hot flashes. They also completed baseline and post-treatment ratings of the degree to which hot flashes interfered with daily activities and QOL using the Hot Flash-Related Daily Interference Scale.

Results indicated a 59% decrease in total daily hot flashes and a 70% decrease in weekly hot flash scores from the baselines. Participants experienced a significant decrease in the degree to which hot flashes interfered with daily activities for all measures including work, social activities, leisure activities, sleep, mood, concentration, relations with others, sexuality, enjoyment of life, and overall QOL.

This study was limited by its small sample size and the limitations inherent in single group study design. All of the participants expressed interest in hypnosis, which may indicate some selection bias. Because no comparable control group was used, identifying the exact efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for hot flashes is not possible.