Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 6 to 14

Using audio hypnosis to reduce anxiety in children during MRI scans

Official title: Effectiveness of an Audio-hypnosis Intervention on Pre-interventional Anxiety During an MRI Examination in Children and Adolescents: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by University of Witten/Herdecke · NCT06866457 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if listening to audio hypnosis can help reduce anxiety in children aged 6 to 14 during MRI scans without sedation.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages6 Years to 14 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Witten/Herdecke
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Essen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 10, 2025
Main results expectedMarch 10, 2027
Study endsMarch 10, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 21, 2025
Trial IDNCT06866457 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 who are scheduled for an MRI without anesthesia and can understand German.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe cognitive impairments, psychiatric disorders, or those taking sedative medications may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether listening to an audio hypnosis recording can alleviate anxiety in children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 who are undergoing MRI scans without sedation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a hypnosis group, which will have access to the audio recording, or a control group that receives standard pre-MRI explanations from medical staff. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of the hypnosis in reducing anxiety levels, improving cooperation during the scan, and minimizing interruptions. A total of 100 participants will be enrolled at the Elisabeth Hospital Essen, with data collection occurring over a 24-month recruitment period.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing MRI scans, leading to smoother procedures and better outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of hypnosis in medical settings is established, this specific approach for reducing MRI-related anxiety in children is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 6 and 14 years
* Planned MRI examination without anesthesia
* Subjects should have a good understanding of the German language

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive impairment or mental retardation
* Severely limiting psychiatric disorders
* Addictive disorders
* Limited understanding of the German language
* Taking sedative medication (e.g. lorazepam)

Where it's running

  • Elisabeth Hospital
    Essen, Germany
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.