To see the effect of hypnosis in the management of emotional reaction of

females living with HIV/AIDS

Background

Being HIV positive can cause a wide range of emotional issues especially for

females. The emotional effects of HIV can be ongoing throughout the progression

and treatment of the disease. AIDS is an ongoing disease that can be managed with

careful attention to physical and emotional treatment regimens. The diagnosis of

HIV and living with the condition may cause anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal

thoughts social avoidance, insomnia, guilt and lack of confidence. HIV positive

individuals require non judgmental support to help them adjust to their emotional

health status. Hypnosis may help people diagnosed with HIV to manage emotional

reactions.

Methods

It was an experimental design. The study was conducted in a structured clinical

environment. A total number of 60 females living with HIV/AIDS participated in

the study with their consent. All the participants were randomly assigned to either

a treatment group or a control group. They completed a rating scale before entering

treatment sessions. The treatment group received daily hypnosis sessions for three

months. The control group got involved in discussion sessions only.

Results

Post test evaluation indicated that females living with HIV/AIDS managed to

reduce anxiety, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, social avoidance, insomnia,

guilt and confidence. At the same time vigor increased significantly thus living a

better life and feeling mentally stronger.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that hypnosis is helpful in the management of emotional

reactions of females living with HIV/AIDS. There is a very little scientific

evidence in this area. Present study was an attempt to see the effect of hypnosis on

females living with HIV/AIDS to manage emotional reactions. The present study

indicated significant results but the results can't be generalized as the sample size

was too small.