Positive Health Online

Abstract

CHAVES and DWORKIN, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis 46202-5186 USA write in this review (108 references) that hypnotic analgesia has a pivotal place in experimental and clinical hypnosis, since its emergence during the 19th century when effective clinical pain management techniques were not developed and when relief of pain and suffering were not even well-defined goals. The acceptance of hypnosis for pain relief was complicated by political struggles encompassing the humanitarian transformation of medicine and the redefinition of the doctor-patient relationship which wrested control from the patient. Acceptance of hypnosis by professional organisations, won after long debate within the professional community, has endured alternating periods of interest and indifference. Scientific information regarding hypnotic analgesia has grown substantially since the mid-20th century and has significantly influenced strategies for acute and chronic pain management. The success of the wider application of hypnosis in pain management will need more data from clinical populations and a balanced and scientifically prudent approach by advocates.

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References

Chaves JF and Dworkin SF. Hypnotic control of pain: historical perspectives and future prospects. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 45(4): 356-76. Oct 1997.