Hypnotherapy in children. New approach to solving common pediatric problems.

Physicians have long used the power of suggestion informally in their practice as a means of motivating patients and boosting compliance. Recent research shows that formal use of hypnosis can be a valuable primary or adjunctive therapy, especially in children. Children are more in touch with innate imagery processes than adults and consequently can learn and use self-hypnosis easily, particularly to control autonomic responses. Hypnotherapy has proven useful in habit and behavior disorders, psychophysiologic disorders, pain control, anxiety control, cellular growth, and chronic conditions. The cases reported here illustrate the effectiveness of this process in children. Before hypnotherapy can be used clinically, the physician should become certified by an association approved by the American Medical Association and know when hypnotherapy is indicated and how long it should be continued.