Hypnosis conducted by a trained therapist or health care professional is considered a safe, complementary and alternative medical treatment. However, hypnosis may not be appropriate in people with severe mental illness. Adverse reactions to hypnosis are rare, but may include: Headache.

Why is hypnosis not recommended?

Hypnosis might not be appropriate for a person who has psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, or for someone who is using drugs or alcohol. It should be used for pain control only after a doctor has evaluated the person for any physical disorder that might require medical or surgical treatment.

Are there dangers to hypnotherapy?

Inducing hallucinations, which can lead vulnerable people into psychotic breakdowns. This is the stock in trade of the stage hypnotist, of course. It's dangerous because a person in a psychotic state is unable to distinguish between the dream state and waking reality in the way that we normally do.