Hypnosis with a blind 55-year-old female with dental phobia requiring periodontal treatment and extraction

Presenting problem: Jo is a 55-year-old female who has a phobia of dental treatment. She has been completely blind since birth and requires periodontal treatment and subsequent extraction.

Aim: Treat Jo's periodontal condition and decrease her phobia and fear of treatment by using hypnosis as an adjunct to basic anxiety management techniques.

Methods: In surgery, medical, dental and phobia history explored. Pre-treatment questionnaires assessed dental anxiety, reasons for anxiety, and ascertained management options. Post-treatment questionnaires assessed changes in dental anxiety and attitudes. Anxiety management techniques included Tell/Show/Do and hypnosis.

Results: Pre-treatment questionnaire revealed high level anxiety and anticipation of pain during future dental treatment. Following hypnotic intervention facilitating periodontal intervention and subsequent extraction, repeated questionnaires revealed significant reduction in anxiety and anticipation of pain.

Conclusion: Hypnosis seems to have been successful as an adjunct in achieving the initial aim. Copyright © 2006 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.