Chapter 7: Altered States of Consciousness "Mind Over Matters"

Introduction
Students have read about the use of hypnosis, biofeedback, and meditation to alter states of consciousness. In this activity, students will examine how hypnosis has found its way into the operating room to reduce pain and anxiety medications, and to limit associated complications.

Lesson Description
Students will use the information from the Why Files article on hypnosis in the operating room to learn about new applications for hypnosis. Students will read about a scientific study by Radiologist Elvira Lang of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School to compare the use of hypnosis to standard care. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by writing a brief essay about other possible uses for hypnosis, biofeedback, or other relaxation techniques by physicians.

Instructional Objectives
1. Students will be able to describe a scientific study on the use of hypnosis in reducing pain and complications during minimally invasive surgery.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to write a brief essay about other possible uses for hypnosis, biofeedback, or other relaxation techniques by physicians.

Student Web Activity Answers
1. Radiologist Elvira Lang teaches at Harvard Medical School and directs the division of interventional radiology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Students may also state that the results of the study were published in the British medical journal The Lancet.
2. The study tried to find out whether using hypnosis would reduce the need for medications and speed up surgery.
3. Lang defines hypnosis as "a state of absorption, being caught up in your mind. It's like reading a book or watching a movie. You know there are people around you, but you are focused on one thing."
4. The level of pain remained stable in the hypnosis group, but it increased in the two control groups. The amount of medication doubled for the two control groups. The number of cardiovascular problems was decreased significantly for those patients using hypnosis (1 hypnosis patient vs. 12 control patients). The procedure time for hypnosis patients was reduced by an average of 17 minutes.
5. Students' essays will vary but may include such topics as reducing recovery time for patients after surgeries or illnesses, minimizing or avoiding medications for pain, or alleviating stress.

Student Web Activity