Hypnosis for reduction of vomiting associated with chemotherapy and disease in adolescents with cancer.

Vomiting is often a major source of distress for adolescent oncology patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing the vomiting associated with chemotherapy and disease in 12 adolescents with cancer. Eight patients receiving chemotherapy demonstrated significant reductions in the frequency (p less than 0.01) and intensity (p less than 0.05) of emesis. Six of the eight patients also demonstrated a shortened duration of emesis. The ninth patient, whose vomiting was secondary to her brain tumor, showed a gradual but steady reduction in vomiting with eventual total elimination following hypnosis intervention. Three patients rejected hypnosis. Trait anxiety scores for the group were significantly lower at retest 6 months following hypnosis intervention (p less than 0.05). Significant changes in scores of health locus of control, impact of illness, or self-esteem were not found. These data support the efficacy of hypnosis for reducing vomiting when used in the context of a comprehensive clinical approach to the cancer patient.