Actively Recruiting
Effectiveness of Hypnosis on Breathlessness Mastery in Patients With Persistent Dyspnea: a Randomised Controlled Trial
Led by University Hospital, Geneva · Updated on 2026-06-08
82
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University Hospital, Geneva
Lead Sponsor
L
Lancardis Foundation
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Persistent dyspnea is a challenging symptom experienced by patients with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), chronic heart failure (CHF), and metastatic cancer. This symptom often comes with anxiety, depression, and fatigue, significantly lowering quality of life. Currently, only opiates are recommended for persistent dyspnea, prompting research into new treatment options such as hypnosis to help patients better manage breathlessness. Researchers are evaluating the impact of three individual 15-minute hypnosis sessions, spaced two weeks apart, on breathlessness mastery in patients with persistent dyspnea. Hypnosis sessions are guided by trained hypnotherapists using a standardized protocol. The study compares this intervention to usual care without hypnosis to measure changes in breathlessness management. Participants will complete several questionnaires assessing breathlessness, anxiety, depression, and quality of life at enrollment, after the last hypnosis session, and at one-month follow-up. Researchers will monitor breathlessness mastery using the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) mastery subscale, along with other outcomes like worst breathlessness, dyspnea symptoms, and intervention acceptability. The study lasts approximately six weeks, with follow-up assessments to evaluate lasting effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Hypnosis on Breathlessness Mastery in Patients With Persistent Dyspnea
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Patients aged 18 years or older
- Primary diagnosis of metastatic cancer, COPD stage at least B or E, interstitial lung disease, or chronic heart failure
- Breathlessness stage NYHA II or higher, or mMRC 2 or higher
You will not qualify if you...
- Had hypnosis treatment in the last 12 months
- Estimated life expectancy less than 6 months
- Participated in pulmonary rehabilitation in the last 6 months
- Hospitalized in the last 30 days
- Unable to attend 3 outpatient consultations every two weeks
- Conditions interfering with questionnaire responses (e.g., cognitive or hearing impairment)
- Psychiatric disorder making hypnosis unsuitable
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants receive three individual 15-minute hypnosis sessions conducted by a trained hypnotherapist, each session separated by a two-week interval. Participants in the control group receive usual care without hypnosis.
3 visits (in-person) every two weeks for hypnosis sessions
Duration - 1 month
Participants complete questionnaires to assess breathlessness mastery and quality of life one month after the last hypnosis session or usual care period.
1 follow-up visit (in-person or remote) approximately 1 month after treatment ends
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Geneva University Hospitals
Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, 1211
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Lisa Hentsch, Dr med
F
Federica Bianchi, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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