Long-term outcome of hypnotic-analgesia treatment for chronic pain in persons with disabilities

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2008 Apr;56(2):156-69. doi: 10.1080/00207140701849486.

Abstract

Data from 26 participants in a case series of hypnotic analgesia for chronic pain were examined to determine the long-term effects of hypnosis treatment. Statistically significant decreases in average daily pain intensity, relative to pretreatment values, were observed at posttreatment and at 3- and 9-month follow-up but not at 6- or 12-month follow-up. The percent of participants who reported clinically meaningful decreases in pain were 27%, 19%, 19%, and 23%, at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month follow-up points, respectively. Moreover, at 12-months posttreatment, 81% of the sample reported that they still used the self-hypnosis skills learned in treatment. Overall, the results indicate that about 20% of the sample obtained substantial and lasting long-term reductions in average daily pain following hypnosis treatment and that many more continue to use self-hypnosis up to 12 months following treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / epidemiology
  • Pain Management*
  • Persons with Disabilities* / statistics & numerical data
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / epidemiology