Hypnotherapy. Is it woo?

[JimC]

An inconsistent placebo effect, in that it does seem to work with some people and not with others. However, for the ones it does work for, it is pretty powerful for a placebo (although clearly limited in what medical or psychological benefit it can confer)

[mistermack]

One funny result of the placebo effect is people who think that they've bought a class one drug, getting all high and silly, and get arrested by the police.

When the results of the analysis of their white powder come back, it's baking soda, and they can't be charged. I've seen them on the police programs. You would swear that they were well stoned.

Some drug dealer making a mint out of a placebo. Imagine the profit margin.

[mistermack]

I just read a pretty good article by a fairly sceptical journalist smoker, who went to a free communal session with a hypnotist, to weigh it up.
It's quite a good read. There is definitely no bias or woo in the article, and at least it's by someone who tried it.

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archi ... is/391577/

While you wouldn't give it much chance of curing a very addicted smoker, in one short communal session, the journalist does report some real changes to the habit.
He actually DID stop smoking for a while. (no big deal, but still some sort of change) but also says that now that he's smoking again, he doesn't enjoy it so much.
That in itself is some sort of result, showing that an obviously open-minded fairly sceptical person is reporting an ACTUAL change, following just a quick communal session.
While you couldn't claim that it worked, it did have an actual effect on him.
Could a placebo pill have a similar long-term effect? I doubt it.

[Brian Peacock]

Once you understand that pretending to be hypnotised is no different to being hypnotised it becomes woo and loses its power.

Have you been hypnotized? Find out, using a simple scientific test.

[mistermack]

Once you understand that pretending to be hypnotised is no different to being hypnotised it becomes woo and loses its power.

Have you been hypnotized? Find out, using a simple scientific test.

Your linked article is saying the exact opposite to your post.

[Brian Peacock]

I thought you'd get the confirmation bias in the blog post and its description of the research - obviously your are not as suggestible as I first thought. You may now blink.

[mistermack]

I thought you'd get the confirmation bias in the blog post and its description of the research - obviously your are not as suggestible as I first thought. You may now blink.

Wot ?

Anyway, the article linked the new scientist piece, and it's accessible :

https://www.newscientist.com/blogs/nstv ... nosis.html

[pErvinalia]

"Hypnosis might give you superpowers, but it seems to give them to you through a temporary lobotomy."

I've always wanted a lobotomy. Maybe now I can have one surgery free!

[JimC]

"Hypnosis might give you superpowers, but it seems to give them to you through a temporary lobotomy."

I've always wanted a lobotomy. Maybe now I can have one surgery free!

A frontal lobotomy? I'd rather have a bottle in front of me...

[pErvinalia]

I seriously want one. I want to be ignorant.

[mistermack]

I seriously want one. I want to be ignorant.

And so you shall !