RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Audio Hypnosis for Reducing Anxiety in Children and Adolescents Undergoing MRI: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to discover if a calming audio recording, similar to hypnosis, can help children and teenagers (aged 6 to 14) feel more relaxed during an MRI scan without needing medication. MRI scans can sometimes be scary or uncomfortable, and anxiety can make them harder to complete. Researchers will put children into two groups: one group will have access to this special audio to listen to before their scan, and the other group will get the usual information from hospital staff. The main goal is to see if the audio helps kids feel less worried and if it makes the MRI process go more smoothly, with fewer interruptions. It's about finding a simple, gentle way to make medical procedures easier for young patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Witten/Herdecke

Enrolment target

100

Start

10 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

10 Mar 2027

Hypnosis Anxiety, Preoperative

What is this study about?

Imagine you're a child needing an MRI scan. It can be a bit daunting – you have to lie still in a noisy machine, sometimes for a long time. This often makes children feel anxious, which can sometimes mean the scan has to be stopped or repeated.

This study is exploring a gentle, non-medical way to help children aged 6 to 14 cope better with MRI scans. It wants to find out if listening to a special audio recording, which uses calming suggestions similar to hypnosis, can make a difference. The idea is that if children feel more relaxed and less scared, the scan might be a much smoother experience for everyone involved.

Researchers will carefully compare two groups of children. One group will have the chance to listen to this calming audio as many times as they like before their scan. The other group will receive the standard information and support usually given by hospital staff. By comparing these groups, the study hopes to learn if the audio really helps children feel calmer and makes the MRI process easier to complete without interruptions.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a calming audio recording for children getting an MRI.
It aims to reduce anxiety in children aged 6 to 14 during stress-free MRI scans.
Children will either get the audio or standard information before their scan.
The goal is to make MRI scans smoother and less scary for young patients.
Participation involves listening to audio (if in that group) and filling out questionnaires.
It's a non-medication approach to help children relax during medical procedures.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, children need to be between 6 and 14 years old and be scheduled for an MRI scan where they won't be given any medication to make them sleepy.

It's also important that they can understand and speak German well, as the audio recording and questionnaires are in German.

Children might not be able to join if they have learning difficulties, serious mental health conditions, or addiction problems. Also, if they are already taking calming medicines, they won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 6 and 14 years old?
Is your child scheduled for an MRI scan without any sedation (sleepy medicine)?
Does your child understand and speak German well?
Does your child have any severe learning difficulties or serious mental health conditions?
Is your child currently taking any calming or sedative medications (like lorazepam)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part, they will first find out which group they are in by chance – like flipping a coin. If they are in the 'audio' group, they will get access to a special calming audio recording that's about 20 minutes long. They can listen to this as many times as they want before their MRI scan.

Both children and their parents will fill in some simple forms about how anxious they feel, both before and after the MRI scan. The team doing the MRI will also make notes on how calm the child seemed during the scan and if there were any stops or pauses. There are no extra hospital visits, and your child will still have their planned MRI scan as normal.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help your child feel calmer and more comfortable during their MRI scan, making the experience less stressful for them and potentially helping the scan go more smoothly. There are no known risks associated with listening to a calming audio recording. It's important to remember that you are free to change your mind and withdraw your child from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their care.

Locations (1)

Elisabeth Hospital
Verified postcode
Essen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan is a type of medical imaging that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside the body.

What is 'audio hypnosis'?

It's a special calming audio recording with suggestions designed to help a person relax deeply and focus their mind away from worries, similar to guided meditation.

Will my child be 'put to sleep'?

No, this study is specifically for children having an MRI without any medication to make them sleepy. The audio is for relaxation, not sedation.

How long does the calming audio last?

The audio recording is about 20 minutes long, and your child can listen to it multiple times if they are in the audio group.

Will my child's medical care be affected by joining this study?

No, your child will receive their normal medical care and have their scheduled MRI scan as planned, regardless of whether they join the study or not.

How to find out more

Melanie Anheyer

m.anheyer@contilia.de 004920189786627 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.