The Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy on the Dimensions of Anxiety in Children Aged 3 to 10 with Autism in Dental Interventions

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of hypnotherapy on the anxiety dimensions of 3 to 10-year-old children with autism during dental interventions.

The research method used was descriptive correlation and structural equation modeling through path analysis. The statistical population of this study included children with autism spectrum disorder who were referred to a private dental office located in Dana Complex, Busar Bridge, Rasht, Iran. A sample of 32 children with autism spectrum disorder, categorized as having mild to moderate levels based on the Wechsler-Hosh-Behr questionnaire recorded in their medical records, was selected using purposive sampling. They were then randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups, each comprising 16 participants. The sample size of 32 was chosen to account for potential dropouts. The experimental group received 8 sessions of hypnosis based on mindfulness, which was conducted by the first partner of the project, who had completed hypnotherapy courses. Data were collected using the Social Support Appraisals Scale (SSAS), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Relapse Prediction Scale (RPS) questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using stepwise regression and structural equation modeling with SPSS-23 and Smart-PLS software.

The results showed significant correlations between the research variables, and all research hypotheses were confirmed.

Dental clinics are common places that induce fear and anxiety in dental patients, especially in children with autism spectrum disorder. This leads to negative emotions in the patients. Therefore, hypnotherapy is potentially a powerful method to control and reduce these negative factors, helping to better prepare their minds for optimal dental services.