Guided Imagery for Treating Psychological Conditions

Page 1 of 2

Learn about guided imagery, an alternative treatment for depression, anxiety, insomnia, bulimia and other mental health - health conditions.

Before engaging in any complementary medical technique, you should be aware that many of these techniques have not been evaluated in scientific studies. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about whether practitioners are required to be professionally licensed. If you plan to visit a practitioner, it is recommended that you choose one who is licensed by a recognized national organization and who abides by the organization's standards. It is always best to speak with your primary health care provider before starting any new therapeutic technique.

Background

Historically, imagery has been used by many cultural groups, including the Navajos, ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese. Imagery has also been used in religions such as Hinduism and Judaism. The term "guided imagery" refers to a number of different techniques, including visualization; direct suggestion using imagery, metaphor and storytelling; fantasy and game playing; dream interpretation; drawing; and active imagination.

Therapeutic guided imagery is believed to allow patients to enter a relaxed state and focus attention on images associated with issues they are confronting. Experienced guided imagery practitioners may use an interactive, objective guiding style with the aim to encourage patients to tap into latent inner resources and find solutions to problems. Guided imagery is a meditative relaxation technique sometimes used with biofeedback. Books and audiotapes are available as well as interactive guided imagery groups, classes, workshops and seminars.

Theory

It is proposed that the mind can affect the body when visualized images evoke sensory memory, strong emotions or fantasy. Imagery has been said to cause many types of changes in the body, including alterations in breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, cholesterol levels and functions of the gastrointestinal system, immune system and endocrine system. A goal of guided imagery is to use the senses of touch, smell, sight and sound to achieve a tranquil state that may help reduce or eliminate physical symptoms.

Evidence

Scientists have studied guided imagery for the following health problems:

Headache
Initial research suggests that guided imagery may provide added benefits when used at the same time as standard medical care for migraine or tension headache. Some studies show that relaxation therapies, including use of guided imagery, may be as effective or more effective in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches than are modest doses of a beta-blockade medication. Other study results disagree. Further study is needed to make a strong conclusion.

Cancer
Some studies suggest that guided imagery techniques (such as relaxation and imagery training tapes) may improve quality of life and sense of comfort (mood, depression) in cancer patients. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

HIV
Initial evidence suggests that occasional use of guided imagery techniques may improve quality of life in people with HIV. Additional research would be helpful.

Anxiety and wound healing after surgery
Initial evidence suggests that guided imagery relaxation audiotapes may reduce postoperative anxiety, improve healing and relieve stress. This research is preliminary, and more study is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Anxiety and depression in multiple sclerosis
There is early research that the use of imagery may reduce anxiety but not depression or physical symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. Additional research would be helpful in this area.

Memory
Preliminary research suggests that guided imagery of short duration may improve working memory performance. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Congestive heart failure
A small preliminary study reports that guided imagery is of no benefit in congestive heart failure.

Fibromyalgia
Initial research suggests possible reductions in pain and improvements in functioning.

Upper respiratory tract infections
Preliminary research in children suggests that stress management and relaxation with guided imagery may reduce the duration of symptoms due to upper respiratory tract infections. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.

Bulimia nervosa
Evidence from preliminary research suggests that guided imagery may be an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa, at least in the short-term. Further study is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Insomnia
Preliminary research supports the value of combined drug therapy and relaxation training in the treatment of insomnia. Further research is necessary to make a firm recommendation.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Cognitive-behavioral interventions for pain may be an effective adjunct to standard pharmacologic interventions for pain in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Pain
Significantly lower postoperative pain ratings and shorter hospital stays in children, less abdominal pain and less pain from laparoscopic surgery have been associated with guided imagery practice. Preliminary research also suggests guided imagery may help in reducing cancer pain. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Osteoarthritis
Preliminary research suggests a reduction in pain and mobility difficulties in patients with osteoarthritis. Further research is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Relaxation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A small study reports increased relaxation outcomes in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) who use guided imagery techniques. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.