Hypnosis on Breathlessness Mastery in Patients With Persistent Dyspnea (NCT07173348) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Hypnosis on Breathlessness Mastery in Patients With Persistent Dyspnea
Switzerland82 participantsStarted 2026-04-01
Plain-language summary
Persistent dyspnea is a debilitating symptom, that is common and difficult to treat. This symptom is found in many different diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease (ILD), chronic heart failure (CHF), and metastatic cancer. Dyspnea is associated with many other symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and fatigue and is responsible for a significant reduction in quality of life. To date, only opiates are recommended for the pharmacological treatment of persistent dyspnea.
The effectiveness of hypnosis is well known in the treatment of anxiety and delivered to patients suffering from chronic dyspnea for this reason. One randomised controlled study has shown that a single 20-minute mindfulness sessions could significantly reduce general symptom burden and have a significant impact on anxiety and depression in palliative care patients. Furthermore, the intervention had no negative side effects.
Our aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of three hypnosis sessions on breathlessness mastery in patients with persistent dyspnea, using as a primary outcome the mastery domain of a validated tool, the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients aged ≥ 18 years and
* Primary diagnosis of metastatic cancer, COPD stage at least B or E, ILD, or CHF and
* Dyspnea stage NYHA ≥ II or mMRC ≥ 2
Exclusion Criteria:
* Have had hypnosis treatment in the last 12 months
* Have an estimated life expectancy of less than 6 months
* Have participated in pulmonary rehabilitation in the last 6 months
* Have been hospitalised in the last month (30 days)
* Are unable to come to the hospital for 3 outpatient consultations (1 every two weeks)
* Have a condition that would interfere with their ability to respond to the questionnaires (i.e. cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, etc.)
* Are not eligible for a hypnosis session due to a psychiatric disorder
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ): sub scale mastery
Timeframe: From enrollment to the end of the intervention at 6 weeks.