Clinical hypnosis in pediatric care: An adjunctive tool or therapeutic illusion

Abstract

Clinical hypnosis has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention in pediatric healthcare, drawing on children’s natural capacity for imagination and focused attention. It has been applied across a broad spectrum of medical and psychological conditions, yet its true clinical value remains a matter of debate. This narrative review synthesizes findings from randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and clinical case series on pediatric hypnotherapy. Literature was selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and diversity of application. Evidence suggests that pediatric hypnosis may reduce acute and chronic pain, support management of functional gastrointestinal disorders, alleviate anxiety and habit disorders, improve sleep, and provide symptom relief in chronic diseases such as cancer and cystic fibrosis. Techniques are individualized and developmentally tailored, often using guided imagery, storytelling, and self-hypnosis. Reported benefits include reduced symptom burden, decreased reliance on medications, and improved quality of life. However, the strength of evidence varies considerably across conditions. Limitations include a shortage of large-scale trials, variability in individual responsiveness, limited availability of trained clinicians, and ongoing skepticism from healthcare providers and caregivers. While pediatric hypnosis may show promise as a safe and empowering adjunctive therapy, its clinical efficacy remains to be firmly established across all conditions. Further large-scale, methodologically rigorous research is required to clarify its actual benefits, cost-effectiveness, and role within integrative, evidence-based pediatric care.

Keywords: Pediatric hypnosis; Clinical hypnotherapy; Pain management; Functional disorders; Anxiety in children; Non-pharmacological therapy; Guided imagery

Core Tip: Clinical hypnosis has emerged as a developmentally appropriate, non-pharmacological tool with potential applications across pediatric medicine. Evidence suggests benefits in acute and chronic pain, functional gastrointestinal disorders, anxiety, habit disorders, and supportive care in chronic illness. By engaging children’s imagination and suggestibility, hypnotherapy may promote self-regulation, reduce symptom burden, and improve quality of life. However, the evidence base remains uneven—strong in some domains but limited or preliminary in others. Misconceptions, limited training opportunities, and response variability hinder wider use. Further large-scale trials and standardized protocols are required to clarify whether hypnosis is a proven therapeutic tool or primarily a promising adjunct.