Positive Health Online

Abstract

BUCHSER, (No affiliation provided) conducted a controlled clinical trial to evaluate hypnosis and self-hypnosis as an adjuvant treatment for the instrumental and pharmacological management of chronic pain .

Background

Methodology

The study was conducted at a hospital specialising in the treatment of outpatients suffering from chronic pain. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis were administered and taught by nurses who had been trained recently for this very purpose.

Results

Under the conditions of the study, it was not possible to measure an effect of hypnosis upon pain, despite subjective feeling of usefulness. However, it needs to be taken into account that this form of adjuvant therapy was used for the first time in that hospital for the purpose of the study, and therefore, occurred within an artificial setting. It is, therefore possible that the same therapy administered in the proper therapeutic environment of a specialised institution could demonstrate effects upon pain.

Conclusion

References

Buchser E. Hypnosis and self-hypnosis administered and taught by nurses for relief of chronic pain: a controlled clinical trial. Forschende Komplementarmedizin 6(1): 41-3. Feb 1999.