Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Dec 6, 2024
Date Accepted: May 15, 2026
See attached revised manuscript
ABSTRACT
Background:
Hypnosis is a focused state of consciousness that enhances concentration, attention, and responsiveness to suggestion. It has shown efficacy in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, its potential for addressing burnout and related symptoms remains underexplored. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in alleviating symptoms of burnout and associated conditions, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of hypnotherapy in treating burnout and its related psychopathologies, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Methods:
A comprehensive search will be conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO for peer-reviewed, English-language observational and experimental studies published up to February 2024. Only studies with adults (18+) who received hypnotherapy for psychiatric symptoms will be included. Data extraction will focus on treatment effects related to burnout and associated psychiatric conditions. Statistical analysis will be performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA, version 3.0). A random-effects model will be used to account for heterogeneity, with Cochran’s Q and I² statistics to assess variability. Subgroup analyses will explore moderators such as sociodemographic factors, country, and study quality. Sensitivity analyses will identify influential studies, and publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. All analyses will be two-sided (p < 0.05), and results will be presented in forest plots.
Results:
Full-text screening will be completed by December 2024, with data extraction and analysis ending in March 2025. Findings will be finalized and submitted for publication by Summer 2025.
Conclusions:
Hypnotherapy may be a promising adjunctive treatment for burnout and related psychiatric disorders, offering improved symptom control and well-being.
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Copyright
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