Related Experiment Videos
Hemodynamics following real and hypnosis-simulated phlebotomy
E Casiglia1, A Mazza, G Ginocchio
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.
The American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Mental factors, not just blood loss hydraulics, influence hemodynamic changes during blood donation. Hypnosis simulation mirrored real blood letting effects, highlighting the mind-body connection in physiological responses.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Psychophysiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Blood donation causes significant hemodynamic changes.
- The precise mechanisms, including psychological influences, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mental involvement in hemodynamic alterations during and after blood donation.
- To differentiate between hydraulic effects and psychological responses to blood loss.
Main Methods:
- Measured forearm arterial flow, blood pressure (BP), and calculated forearm peripheral resistance in 22 blood donors.
- Simulated blood donation using hypnotic suggestion in 22 highly hypnotizable subjects.
- Compared hemodynamic responses between real blood donation and simulated donation, and with hypnosis alone or bed rest.
Main Results:
- Real blood donation led to decreased systolic BP and flow, with increased resistance.
- Hypnotic simulation of blood donation produced similar hemodynamic changes.
- Hypnosis without suggestion or simple bed rest did not alter hemodynamics.
Conclusions:
- Mental factors and psychological involvement significantly contribute to hemodynamic changes observed during blood loss.
- The body's response to blood donation is influenced by the mind, not solely by the physical removal of blood.