A benchmarked feasibility study of a self-hypnosis treatment for depression in primary care

Citation

Dobbin A, Maxwell M & Elton RA (2009) A benchmarked feasibility study of a self-hypnosis treatment for depression in primary care. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 57 (3), pp. 293-318. http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=yv4JPVwI&eid=2-s2.0-70349316408&md5=9c89636e5b69d3d11f37891a2ec0e26d; https://doi.org/10.1080/00207140902881221

Abstract
This investigation assessed the effectiveness of a self-help, self-hypnosis treatment in a primary-care setting in Edinburgh, UK. A partially randomized preference (PRP) study design was used, with benchmarking results to trials of CBT and counseling. Patients seeing their general practitioner for depression were offered randomization to, or their treatment preference of, either self-help (self-hypnosis) or antidepressant medication. Evaluation measures were Becks Depression Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory, and SF-36. Of the 58 patients recruited, 50 chose self-hypnosis, 4 chose antidepressants, and 4 were randomized. The preference groups demonstrated similar demography, baseline measurements, and outcome effects to benchmarked trials. This feasibility study of a self-help, self-hypnosis program for depression showed promise for its future use in primary care. Benchmarking improved validity and reliability. A PRP study design appeared useful in a primary-care setting, where past studies have experienced problems of recruitment, concordance, and compliance.

Journal
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis: Volume 57, Issue 3

People

Professor Margaret Maxwell

Director of NMAHP Research Unit, NMAHP