Hypnosis for hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum--severe and persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy--can lead to serious negative health consequences for both mother and fetus. Appropriate evidence-based treatment for this illness is paramount. Studies describing hypnosis in the treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) were reviewed. A literature search was carried out using Cochrane, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and Web of Knowledge databases. A total of 45 studies were identified by the search. Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies were reviewed in terms of study design, methodological quality, intervention and outcomes. Methodology between the studies differed but all reported encouraging positive outcomes. However, the quality of current evidence, based on the studies reviewed in this study, is not sufficient to establish if hypnosis is an effective treatment for HG. To be able to accurately assess the efficacy of hypnosis for HG, it is recommended that well-designed studies, e.g. randomised control trials, be carried out.

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2010;30(7):647-53. McCormack D. Department of Perinatal Clinical Psychology, Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital and School of Psychology, The Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. dmccormack04@qub.ac.uk