Untoward effects associated with hypnosis.

Abstract

There are numerous reports of untoward effects associated with hypnosis but no reports of hypnosis per se causing a serious untoward effect. The context and manipulations performed are markedly different in the various settings where hypnosis is used. The various settings such as stage hypnosis, amateur hypnosis, clinical hypnosis, and research hypnosis must be considered separately when discussing untoward effects. Although the incidence of untoward effects has been studied in the research setting, the incidence of untoward effects is difficult to assess in some settings (such as stage and amateur hypnosis) and has not been adequately assessed in the clinical setting. After reviewing the literature on untoward effects in these various settings, I conclude that amateur and stage hypnosis should not be done because the risk is not balanced by possible benefits. Research hypnosis and clinical hypnosis by well-trained practitioners are safe procedures if certain guidelines are followed.