Clinical Hypnosis as a Supportive Nonpharmacological Intervention for Distress and Pain in Older Adults in Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review

Clin Gerontol. 2026 Oct 20:1-18. doi: 10.1080/07317115.2026.2746043. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review mapped the available evidence on clinical hypnosis as an adjunctive intervention for older adults in hospital and geriatric care, focusing on anxiety, distress, depression, pain, and intervention delivery.

METHODS: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR. PubMed and Scopus were searched without date restrictions. Eligible studies included adults aged 60 years or older receiving clinical hypnosis or hypnosis-based interventions in hospital or geriatric settings.

RESULTS: Nine studies published between 2016 and 2026 included 757 participants across geriatric, procedural, palliative, neurosurgical, and orthopedic settings. Reductions in anxiety and procedural distress were most frequently reported, followed by pain, discomfort, and analgesic use. Only two studies assessed depression. Benefits were primarily reported when hypnosis was delivered in person near stressful procedures, rather than through brief recorded sessions. Variation in interventions and outcomes, along with limited fidelity reporting, restricted interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests possible short-term benefits for anxiety and pain but does not establish comparative effectiveness. Depression, longer-term function, medication use, rehabilitation, and intervention fidelity remain insufficiently examined.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Clinical hypnosis may be considered alongside usual care for older adults facing stressful procedures, provided they can follow verbal instructions and treatment is delivered safely.

PMID:42902595 | DOI:10.1080/07317115.2026.2746043