Self-Hypnosis for Chronic Pain

Overseen By David Ogez

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Disqualifiers: Deafness, Severe cognitive impairment, Psychiatric instability

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

60 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment self-hypnosis for chronic pain?

Research shows that self-hypnosis can help some people manage chronic pain, with some studies indicating improvements in pain intensity and quality of life. However, its effectiveness can vary, and it may work similarly to other relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is self-hypnosis safe for treating chronic pain?

Self-hypnosis is generally considered safe, but occasional adverse effects have been reported in clinical and workshop settings. It's important to be aware of these potential issues and discuss them with a healthcare provider before starting self-hypnosis. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

How does self-hypnosis differ from other treatments for chronic pain?

Self-hypnosis is unique because it empowers patients to actively manage their pain through mental techniques like dissociation and imagery, rather than relying on medications. It focuses on increasing personal control over pain and can be particularly effective for those who are highly hypnotizable, although it may not work for everyone. ^{1 5 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Title: Self-hypnosis training in chronic pain management: A pilot study Our primary objective concerns the effect of hypnosis intervention on change in 24h pain between T0 (pre-intervention) and T4 (3-month follow-up). The secondary objectives concern the effects of the intervention on (i) change in 24h pain between T0 and T5 (6-month follow-up), (ii) changes from T0 in measures of the functional impact of pain, (iii) changes from T0 in anxiety-depression scores and (iv) changes from T0 in quality of life. The study design is a Randomized efficacy pilot study. The study focuses on patients practicing self-hypnosis within HMR groups. The study population is pain clinic patients. The sample size is 60 pain clinic patients. Study duration: February 2024 - December 2024. Center responsible for the study: Centre de Recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont (CR-HMR) - CEMTL, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Adverse events: none expected.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for pain clinic patients dealing with chronic pain. It's designed to see if self-hypnosis can help manage their pain over time, looking at immediate effects and up to 6 months later. Participants should be interested in learning self-hypnosis and CBT techniques.

Inclusion Criteria

Have received one of the above diagnoses, confirmed by medical record review or physician confirmation

Participants must have participated in the past year in the self-hypnosis training program and agree to take part in the research interviews

Be able to read, speak, and understand French

Exclusion Criteria

Have current or recent psychiatric instability (e.g., active suicidal ideation, active delusional or psychotic thoughts) that could interfere with participation, as assessed by a clinical psychologist

I have hearing loss or severe cognitive issues affecting my communication.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants undergo self-hypnosis training with exercises focused on stress and pain management

2 months

Weekly self-administered practice

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in pain, anxiety, and quality of life

3 months

Self-administered questionnaires at 3 months

Extended Follow-up

Further monitoring of participants for changes in pain, anxiety, and quality of life

3 months

Self-administered questionnaires at 6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Self-hypnosis

Trial Overview The study tests whether self-hypnosis training can reduce daily pain levels immediately and after 3-6 months. It also examines the impact on how pain affects daily life, mood (anxiety-depression), and overall quality of life.

Participant Groups

Group I: Self-hypnosis Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Psyco-education and cognitive behavioral therapy Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ciusss de L'Est de l'Île de Montréal

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

6,400+

Findings from Research

Self-hypnosis was found to be an effective treatment for chronic pain in some patients, with two out of five participants reporting overall improvement after using the technique, as evaluated over a two-year follow-up period.

However, the results also indicated that self-hypnosis may not work for everyone, highlighting the need for further research to identify which patients might benefit most from this approach, beyond just their ability to be hypnotized.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-hypnosis in chronic pain. A multiple baseline study of five highly hypnotisable subjects. James, FR., Large, RG., Beale, IL.[2019]

Hypnotic treatment for chronic pain has been shown to significantly reduce pain more effectively than no treatment and some non-hypnotic interventions like medication management and physical therapy, based on controlled trials.

However, the effectiveness of self-hypnosis is similar to other relaxation techniques, and there is a lack of studies comparing hypnosis to credible placebo treatments, making it unclear if the benefits are due to hypnosis itself or patient expectations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnotic treatment of chronic pain. Jensen, M., Patterson, DR.[2022]

An 8-week group hypnosis treatment for 85 adults with chronic pain led to significant reductions in pain intensity and interference, with improvements maintained for up to 6 months after treatment.

The study suggests that group hypnosis can effectively teach individuals skills for managing chronic pain, indicating a promising alternative to individual hypnosis, though further research with larger trials is needed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivery of a Group Hypnosis Protocol for Managing Chronic Pain in Outpatient Integrative Medicine. McKernan, LC., Finn, MTM., Crofford, LJ., et al.[2023]

In a study of 53 older hospitalized patients with chronic pain, hypnosis was found to significantly reduce pain intensity more than massage during hospitalization, with a notable decrease in pain scores over time in the hypnosis group.

Hypnosis also led to significant improvements in depression scores among participants, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective tool for managing chronic pain in older adults, although the benefits did not persist three months after discharge.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnosis can reduce pain in hospitalized older patients: a randomized controlled study. Ardigo, S., Herrmann, FR., Moret, V., et al.[2022]

Hypnosis can be a useful tool for managing chronic pain, but its effectiveness can vary based on individual factors such as secondary gain and depression, as illustrated by two case studies, one of which was unsuccessful.

Different hypnotic strategies, including dissociation and imagery, can be tailored to the patient's specific needs, emphasizing the importance of self-hypnosis for developing mastery and control over pain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnosis and chronic pain. Two contrasting case studies. Evans, FJ.[2019]

Hypnosis is generally a safe treatment method, but adverse effects can occur during clinical and workshop settings, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.

The article identifies 9 categories of adverse events that can arise in hypnosis workshops and discusses factors that may prevent these incidents from being recognized or reported, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proactive modifications to improve safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Issues in the detection of those suffering adverse effects in hypnosis training workshops. Kluft, RP.[2015]

Hypnosis has been shown to significantly reduce chronic pain across various conditions, based on a review of 13 controlled prospective trials.

Compared to nonhypnotic treatments like physical therapy and education, hypnosis interventions, particularly those including self-hypnosis, were generally more effective, although the studies varied in their methods and had small sample sizes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnotherapy for the management of chronic pain. Elkins, G., Jensen, MP., Patterson, DR.[2022]

Chronic pain management can be effectively achieved through non-drug methods, specifically using hypnosis as a psychotherapeutic approach.

By focusing on understanding and alleviating the emotional suffering associated with pain, hypnosis can enhance pain control and facilitate a return to normal functioning.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An approach to the management of chronic pain. Fildes, PG.[2011]

Combining self-hypnosis with brief psychotherapy is an effective approach for treating chronic pain, as it addresses the psychological factors that contribute to the patient's experience of pain.

This combined treatment helps patients take an active role in their pain management, leading to reduced suffering and a shift in their attitude towards pain, making it less central in their lives.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnosis in the treatment of chronic pain. Savitz, SA.[2019]

In a study involving 26 children aged 7 to 17, self-hypnosis was found to be effective in reducing pain intensity and improving therapeutic goals related to chronic pain management.

Out of the participants, 16 experienced decreased pain, 10 achieved all their therapeutic goals, and 9 achieved them partially, highlighting the significant role of self-hypnosis in the therapeutic education program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Self-hypnosis on Quality of Life For Children with Chronic Pain Syndrome. Delivet, H., Dugue, S., Ferrari, A., et al.[2019]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-hypnosis in chronic pain. A multiple baseline study of five highly hypnotisable subjects. [2019]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnotic treatment of chronic pain. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Delivery of a Group Hypnosis Protocol for Managing Chronic Pain in Outpatient Integrative Medicine. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnosis can reduce pain in hospitalized older patients: a randomized controlled study. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnosis and chronic pain. Two contrasting case studies. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Issues in the detection of those suffering adverse effects in hypnosis training workshops. [2015]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnotherapy for the management of chronic pain. [2022]

8. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An approach to the management of chronic pain. [2011]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hypnosis in the treatment of chronic pain. [2019]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of Self-hypnosis on Quality of Life For Children with Chronic Pain Syndrome. [2019]