Conclusions Due to exploratory design s and high risk of bias , the effectiveness of hypnosis or hypnotherapy in stress reduction remains still unclear .
Background Although hypnosis and hypnotherapy have become more popular in recent years , the evidence for hypnosis to influence perceived stress is unclear .
In this systematic review we search ed and evaluated r and omized clinical studies investigating the effect of hypnosis on perceived stress reduction and coping .
Cellular and humoral immunity, mood and exam stress: the influences of self-hypnosis and personality predictors.
The effects of self-hypnosis training on immune function and mood were examined in medical students at exam time . Hypnosis involved relaxation and imagery directed at improved immune function and increased energy , alertness and concentration . Hypotheses were made about activated and withdrawn personality differences . Eight high and eight low hypnotically susceptible participants were given 10 sessions of hypnosis  , one live and nine tape-recorded , and were compared with control subjects ( N=12 ) .  CD3 , CD4 , CD8 , CD19 and CD56 NK cells and blood cortisol were assayed . Life-style , activated vs. withdrawn temperament , arousal and anxiety question naires were administered . Self-hypnosis buffered the decline found in controls in NK ( P<0.002 ) and CD8 cells ( P<0.0.07 ) and CD8/CD4 % ( P<0.06 ) ( 45 - 35 % order of magnitude differences ) while there was an increase in cortisol ( P<0.05 ) . The change in NK cell counts correlated positively with changes in both CD8 cells and cortisol . Results were independent of changes in life-style . Energy ratings were higher after hypnosis ( P<0.01 ) , and increased calmness with hypnosis correlated with an increase in CD4 counts ( P<0.01 ) . The activated temperament , notably the cognitive subscale ( speaking and thinking quickly ) , was predictive of exam levels of T and B lymphocytes ( P&z . Lt;0.08-P<0.02 ) , and reaching r=0.72 ( P<0.001 ) in the non-intervention control group . The sizeable influences on cell-mediated immunity achieved by a relatively brief , low cost psychological intervention in the face of a compelling , but routine , stress in young , healthy adults have implication s for illness prevention and for patients with compromised immunity
Conclusions Due to exploratory design s and high risk of bias , the effectiveness of hypnosis or hypnotherapy in stress reduction remains still unclear .
Background Although hypnosis and hypnotherapy have become more popular in recent years , the evidence for hypnosis to influence perceived stress is unclear .
In this systematic review we search ed and evaluated r and omized clinical studies investigating the effect of hypnosis on perceived stress reduction and coping .