Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness and fear that may cause someone to sweat, feel tense, and experience a rapid heartbeat. Those with anxiety disorders have anxiety that does not go away. It interferes with daily life and leaves people feeling overwhelmed.
In a 2016 study, scientists scanned the brains of 57 people undergoing hypnosis. They found changes in the areas of the brain that allowed for greater emotional control and reduced feelings of self-consciousness.
One 2017 review Trusted Source found that hypnosis has a significant, immediate, and prolonged effect on anxiety in people with cancer. It was especially beneficial for those with procedure-related anxiety.
Hypnosis may help individuals with anxiety because it eases them into a relaxed and calm state.
Hypnosis works best at reducing anxiety when combined with other psychological interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy.