A recent study suggests that hypnosis can be an effective treatment for fear of flying, though its success depends on individual hypnotizability. A woman who has suffered from severe anxiety during flights sought help through hypnosis and experienced a noticeable improvement on a recent trip.

The individual, who has a history of panic attacks on planes, underwent two hypnosis sessions before a flight to Greece. Despite knowing the statistical improbability of a fatal plane crash, the individual’s body consistently reacted with anxiety during flights, rendering coping mechanisms like deep breathing and medication ineffective.

During the hypnosis sessions, the hypnotist used relaxation techniques and addressed the subconscious, suggesting it was safe to relax during flights. While the individual remained skeptical, the flight to Greece was notably calmer than previous experiences. The return flight also showed improvement, with nervousness present but without the usual panic attacks.

Bobby Zachariae, a professor at Aarhus University and hypnosis researcher, explains that the psychological treatment during hypnosis is what yields results. Hypnosis induces a relaxed state where fixed, inappropriate thoughts are more easily altered. Brain scans have demonstrated that hypnosis can change the brain’s response in anxiety-inducing situations.

Studies indicate that approximately 10-15% of people are highly hypnotizable, 65-70% are moderately hypnotizable, and 15-20% are low or not at all susceptible to hypnosis. The effectiveness of hypnosis varies depending on an individual’s hypnotizability.

Despite the positive experience, the individual remains unsure if the improvement was solely due to hypnosis, attributing it perhaps to favorable flight conditions. Hypnosis faces skepticism as a form of alternative treatment due to factors such as the unregulated nature of the title “hypnotist,” its portrayal in stage entertainment, and varying effects across individuals. While hypnosis may be helpful, it’s difficult to predict in advance how an individual will react.