Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Method for Simultaneous fMRI/EEG Data Collection during a Focused Attention Suggestion for Differential Thermal Sensation
Published on: January 5, 2014
Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation.
N C Abbot1, L F Stead, A R White
1Dept of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Leicester, 216 Goscote House, Sparkenhoe St, Leicester, UK, LE2 0TL. nca2@leicester.ac.uk
Hypnotherapy is a popular smoking cessation aid, but evidence from randomized controlled trials does not confirm its effectiveness over other treatments or no intervention. More research is needed to validate its role in quitting smoking.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Hypnotherapy is frequently recommended for smoking cessation.
- It is believed to reduce cravings and enhance willpower to quit smoking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hypnotherapy in aiding individuals to stop smoking.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group trials register for randomized trials.
- Included trials reporting smoking cessation rates at least six months post-treatment.
- Extracted data on study characteristics and outcomes, focusing on six-month abstinence, with meta-analysis where possible.
Main Results:
- Nine studies compared hypnotherapy against 14 different control interventions.
- Significant heterogeneity and conflicting results were observed when comparing hypnotherapy to no treatment or advice.
- No significant effect was found compared to rapid smoking or psychological treatments.
Conclusions:
- Hypnotherapy did not demonstrate a greater effect on six-month quit rates compared to other interventions or no treatment.
- Claims of hypnotherapy's effectiveness from uncontrolled studies were not supported by randomized controlled trial data.
More Related Videos
14:21Creating Dynamic Images of Short-lived Dopamine Fluctuations with lp-ntPET: Dopamine Movies of Cigarette Smoking
Published on: August 6, 2013
06:39Electroencephalographic, Heart Rate, and Galvanic Skin Response Assessment for an Advertising Perception Study: Application to Antismoking Public Service Announcements
Published on: August 28, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Management of Insomnia
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy is a cornerstone of behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders. It involves systematic exposure to feared stimuli, either in real...