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Is Hypnotherapy Recognised By The NHS?

Written by APHP

October 12, 2024

Is Hypnotherapy Recognised by the NHS?

Hypnotherapy has been gaining popularity as a therapeutic approach for various issues, from anxiety and stress to pain management. However, many people wonder if it’s recognised and supported by the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

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The NHS’s Stance on Hypnotherapy

The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has an interesting relationship with hypnotherapy. While it’s not currently a standard treatment offered across the board, the NHS does acknowledge its potential benefits. 

A Growing Recognition of Complementary Therapies:

Hypnotherapy falls under the umbrella of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). The NHS maintains a dedicated section on CAM, reflecting its openness to exploring alternative approaches alongside conventional medicine. This section provides patients with information and resources on various CAM therapies, including hypnotherapy.

Building the Evidence Base:

The NHS is actively involved in research to evaluate the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for specific conditions. This research helps build a robust evidence base to inform future healthcare practices. The article provides several examples of past and ongoing research projects on the NHS website and other reputable sources.

Here are some examples of NHS involvement in hypnotherapy research:

  • NGH launches hypnotherapy support for some patients: A consultant and an operating department practitioner at Northampton General Hospital are introducing hypnotherapy support for some patients. Consultant Anaesthetist, Dr Paul Slater, and Acute Pain Practitioner (also an ODP), Louise Foulsham-Mcfall, will be looking to help patients manage pain, anxiety, and stress.  
     
  • Research for hypnotherapy use in treating inflammatory bowel disease: In 2020, the NHS conducted research on the use of hypnotherapy in treating inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Research into the benefit of hypnotherapy after a colectomy: In 2023, Somerset Hospital is conducting research into the benefit of hypnotherapy after a colectomy.
  • NHS using Gut Directed Hypnotherapy For Brain-Gut Axis disorders in York Hospital: In 2020, York Hospital started using Gut Directed Hypnotherapy for Brain-Gut Axis disorders.
  • Hypnosis trial for helping children manage enuresis: In 2014, the NHS conducted a hypnosis trial to help children manage enuresis.
  • NICE recommend hypnotherapy as being effective for treating IBS symptoms

These are just a few examples of the NHS’s involvement in hypnotherapy research. 

Integration with Existing Treatments: Hypnotherapy is often seen as a complementary therapy, used alongside traditional medical treatments to enhance their effectiveness.

Individualised Approach:

The NHS emphasizes that the suitability of hypnotherapy depends on individual needs and circumstances. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine if this approach aligns with your specific situation.

Finding a Qualified Hypnotherapist:

The article provides valuable resources for those seeking a qualified hypnotherapist:

Safety and Ethics:

We cannot stress enough the importance of using qualified hypnotherapists who belong to professional associations. This ensures they have undergone checks to make sure they have completed proper training, adhere to a code of ethics, and carry relevant insurance.

While the NHS does not currently offer hypnotherapy as a standard treatment, it does acknowledge its potential benefits. In some cases, it may be recommended or used alongside conventional medical treatments. There are a number of NHS hospitals using hypnotherapy as part of a combined treatment plan, alongside conventional medicine. 

While the NHS continues to evaluate its effectiveness, patients can make their own informed choices, through researching whether hypnotherapy could be a good addition to their medical treatment plan. 

References:

 

http://bit.ly/3NRjXr6 – NICE guidelines on the use of hypnosis to reduce IBS symptoms
https://www.imperial.nhs.uk/consultant-directory/sarah-partridge – 1991 treating thyroid cancer patients submitted research proposals for hypnotherapy studies.
https://bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk/trial-details/trial-detail?trialId=7576&location=&distance= – 2020 – Research for hypnotherapy use in treating inflammatory bowel disease.
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=nurse-ana-aims-to-prove-benefits-of-hypnosis-after-a-colectomy – 2023 Research being done in Somerset hospital into the benefit of hypnotherapy after a colonectomy
https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/seecmsfile/?id=6881 – 2020 – NHS using Gut Directed Hypnotherapy For Brain-Gut Axis disorders in York Hospital
https://www.hra.nhs.uk/planning-and-improving-research/application-summaries/research-summaries/hypnosis-for-pne-a-case-series/ – Hypnosis trial for helping children manage enuresis – 2014
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5517275/#:~:text=The%20British%20Society%20of%20Gastroenterology,for%20refractory%20IBS%2C%20including%20hypnotherapy. – Hypnosis in the reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms 2012

Published : Oct 12, 2024