Hypnotherapy has been used for thousands of years, in various forms, throughout a variety of cultures. Modern hypnotherapy was endorsed as a medical procedure in the mid 20th century by both British and American Medical Associations. By 1995, the NIH issued a statement that scientific evidence favored the use of hypnotherapy for chronic pain.

While hypnotherapy is still considered an alternative medical practice, and lacks enough medical research to validate it as a proven medical treatment - hypnotherapy is accepted within many Psychology and Medical circles as a valid and effective therapy.

** How does Hypnotherapy for Panic Attacks Work? **

Within the professional hypnotherapy community, the current accepted method of hypnotherapy to cure Panic Attacks is called Analytical Hypnotherapy, or Hypnoanalysis.

This kind of hypnotherapy is actually a very focused and intensive form of talk therapy that places the patient in a safe and secure environment, and then seeks to walk the patient, using hypnosis, through the process of identifying the underlying cause of the patient's panic attacks, anxiety, or phobia.

The theory is that once the underlying cause of the anxiety is identified and reduced, all of the associated symptoms (phobia, anxiety and panic attacks) will also become dramatically reduced as well.

The treatment regimen using hypnotherapy can be a very long, intense, and expensive process. However, much like regular psychotherapy, this is a process that will help the patient to self-examine and identify what the source of the fear and anxieties are. The addition of hypnosis can serve to deepen and intensify that process.

** Scientific Evidence **

Unfortunately, hypnotherapy is a poorly understood and poorly studied form of therapy. There are only very few studies that offer anything conclusive regarding the effectiveness of hypnotherapy to cure panic attacks. Several studies have reported that hypnotherapy does reduce anxiety and chronic pain. Other research has suggested that hypnotherapy might not be as effective as group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. However, there is certainly enough research to suggest that hypnotherapy can have a significant impact for many people.

** Can Hypnotherapy Cure my Panic Attacks? **

Much of the debate surrounding hypnotherapy is the argument that studies have not represented whether Hypnotherapy can produce positive results that go beyond the placebo effect (positive results without doing anything). However, given that Hypnotherapy can produce positive results for some people at all is important enough for people suffering from panic attacks to seriously consider it as a form of treatment. Even if the benefits of hypnotherapy are due to only a psychological placebo effect - the results, for you, would still be the same. If you are seeking relief from symptoms of anxiety and panic, and this process results in relief, it doesn't really matter if the effects are purely psychological - obviously this approach would work for you, and that's what matters.

There is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest, at least, that hypnotherapy may be a powerful and effective therapy to deal with the source of what is causing anxiety and panic attacks in your life.

Simply try one or two hypnotherapy sessions, and get a feel for whether or not the therapy seems to have any impact on your sense of well being and anxiety. If you find that the hypnotherapy appears to lead to a greater feeling of calmness - then it works for you, and you should stick to this form of therapy.

The important approach when it comes to issues of psychology and anxiety is to accept that every patient is different, and it is up to you, the patient, to identify what therapy and treatment works for you. If you discover that hypnotherapy is a powerful remedy for you - then regardless of what the scientific community says - hypnotherapy clearly is going to help you achieve your goal of being panic-attack free.