Open AccessThe efficacy of hypnotic analgesia in adults: A review of the literature
Author(s) -
Stoelb Brenda L.,
Molton Ivan R.,
Jensen Mark P.,
Patterson David R.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
contemporary hypnosis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1557-0711
pISSN - 0960-5290
DOI - 10.1002/ch.370
Subject(s) - hypnosis , hypnotic , psychology , psychotherapist , anesthesia , clinical psychology , alternative medicine , medicine , psychiatry , pathology
This article both summarizes the previous reviews of randomized, controlled trials of hypnotic analgesia for the treatment of chronic and acute pain in adults, and reviews similar trials which have recently been published in the scientific literature. The results indicate that for both chronic and acute pain conditions: (1) hypnotic analgesia consistently results in greater decreases in a variety of pain outcomes compared to no treatment/standard care; (2) hypnosis frequently out‐performs non‐hypnotic interventions (e.g. education, supportive therapy) in terms of reductions in pain‐related outcomes; and (3) hypnosis performs similarly to treatments that contain hypnotic elements (such as progressive muscle relaxation), but is not surpassed in efficacy by these alternative treatments. Factors that may influence the efficacy of hypnotic analgesia interventions are discussed, including, but not limited to, the patient's level of suggestibility, treatment outcome expectancy, and provider expertise. Based upon this body of literature, suggestions are offered for practitioners who are using, or would like to use, hypnosis for the amelioration of pain problems in their patients or clients. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.