[Anxiety, magic, suggestion, hypnosis and the role of the anesthesist]

The physiological as well as the psychological consequences of anxiety are represented, and the negative effect of stress onto the immune response is dealt with. Under competent supervision visualization of the frightening event can help to dissolve anxiety. The subjects participation in an 'as if' action may be understood as a magical act. The supporting physician may without knowing or quite purposefully use suggestive or hypnotic induction techniques.