Paradoxical experience of hypnotic analgesia in low hypnotizable fibromyalgic patients.

Full Abstract

The study investigated the differences in pain perception in highly (Highs) and low (Lows) hypnotizable patients with chronic benign pain undergoing hypnotic suggestions of analgesia. Self reports of pain intensity were collected in different groups of fibromyalgic patients: (1) Highs and Lows during pre-hypnosis, neutral hypnosis, suggestions for analgesia, posthypnotic conditions; (2) Lows during suggestions for analgesia administered after a mental stress instead of neutral hypnosis; (3) healthy Lows receiving nociceptive stimulation during hypnotic relaxation and suggestions of analgesia. The results showed that Highs and Lows differed in their response to suggestions, but significant analgesia was reported also by Lows. These individuals did not report any difference in pain perception between the sessions including mental stress and hypnotic relaxation. No change in pain perception was observed in healthy Lows during nociceptive stimulation associated with relaxation and suggestions for analgesia. In conclusion, the presence of chronic pain seems to be responsible for the paradoxical response of non hypnotizable patients to hypnotic suggestions.

Author information

Author/s: Carli, G (G); Suman, A L (AL); Biasi, G (G); Marcolongo, R (R); Santarcangelo, E L (EL);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology, University of Siena, Italy.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Archives italiennes de biologie (Arch Ital Biol), published in Italy. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Jun; vol 146 (issue 2) : pp 75-82

Dates: Created 2008/09/30; Completed 2008/11/06; Revised 2009/10/05;

PMID: 18822796, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/5/2009, IMS Date: )

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