Publication:

Medical hypnosis on depression and interleukin-6 levels in lung cancer patients

Background Lung cancer patients are at high risk for depression, which is associated with poor treatment adherence. Medical hypnosis can improve symptoms of depression and affect interleukin-6 levels. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of medical hypnosis in improving depression and reducing IL-6 levels in lung cancer patients.

Methods This study is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest and post-test control group design. It assessed depressive symptoms using BDI-II scores and serum IL-6 levels in an intervention group receiving medical hypnosis and standard therapy compared to a control group receiving standard therapy. Data analysis was conducted using univariate tests, followed by Pearson correlation tests and effect size measurement with Cohen's d test.

Results The Wilcoxon test showed a decrease in IL-6 levels in the intervention group by 14.66±19.45 (p=0.008) and a reduction in BDI-II scores by 8.26±4.78 (p=0.001). Correlation tests indicated a significant relationship between IL-6 levels and BDI-II scores (r=0.472; p=0.009). Cohen's d test showed the effect size of medical hypnosis on IL-6 levels was 0.754 (moderate=0.5<ES<0.8).

Conclusions Medical hypnosis is effective in improving depressive symptoms and reducing IL-6 levels in lung cancer patients.