Does hypnotherapy or virtual reality help reduce PMS symptoms?

Objective: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a mental, neural, and glandular disorder and triggers changes in personal and behavioral characteristics. It affects considerably one’s ability to work and perform daily tasks. The effects of relaxation using hypnotherapy and virtual reality (VR) technology on alleviation of the symptoms of PMS were examined. Methods: A clinical trial with control group was carried out in the academic year 2017–18 in the dormitories of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. The participants were 90 girl students randomly grouped into three groups of hypnotherapy (n = 30), VR (n = 30), and control (n = 30). The data gathering tools were a demographics form and postmenstrual screening tool. The relaxation program using VR and hypnotism was implemented in three sessions in the experiment groups. Three months after the last session, the participants filled out the tools once more (posttest). The collected data were analyzed using paired t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: The results of ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference in the control group before and after the intervention in terms of PMS (P > 0.05). This difference was significant in the experiment groups (P < 0.5). Conclusions: Relaxation using VR technology and hypnotism in the girls with PMS alleviated the symptoms.

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