The use of hypnosis in the treatment of chronic pain has a long and well studied history. While not intended for use as a stand alone treatment, when used in conjunction with other pain control methods it has offered a "moderate to large hypnoanalgesic effect, supporting the efficacy of hypnotic techniques for pain management." according to a large meta-study analysis conducted by Guy Montgomery, Ph. D., of New York's Mount Sinai School of Medicine (Int J Clin Exp Hypn 2000;48:138-153).
Regarding the study, a May 2009 article in Pain Medicine News study,Dr. Montgomery says:
"Part of the appeal of hypnosis, is that it can be performed on most patients in a relatively short period of time (usually over four to 10 sessions) and has virtually no side effects. Additionally, skills learned by the patient through hypnosis can be used to cope with other issues that may accompany chronic pain, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and distress."
The article goes on to cite other authors of pain studies who report other benefits of hypnotherapy, such as reduced need for medications, and positive changes in the patient's attitude. The potential for reduced need for medication further implies reduced cost for medications for the patient who chooses hypnosis.
On the downside, the article sites that the barriers to adopting hypnosis as part of a pain management regimen include misconception about hypnosis. Many people are skeptical, believing that hypnosis is theatrical from what they have seen and heard about it. They may believe that when under hypnosis they have less control, when in fact, the opposite is true.
As for the future, the use of hypnosis as part of a pain management regimen may grow when the potential for increased well-being of the patient and cost savings are recognized.
At the moment, it's a gem in the rough.
For further reading:
Hypnosis: Neglected Weapon Against Chronic Pain?
Regarding the study, a May 2009 article in Pain Medicine News study,Dr. Montgomery says:
"Part of the appeal of hypnosis, is that it can be performed on most patients in a relatively short period of time (usually over four to 10 sessions) and has virtually no side effects. Additionally, skills learned by the patient through hypnosis can be used to cope with other issues that may accompany chronic pain, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and distress."
The article goes on to cite other authors of pain studies who report other benefits of hypnotherapy, such as reduced need for medications, and positive changes in the patient's attitude. The potential for reduced need for medication further implies reduced cost for medications for the patient who chooses hypnosis.
On the downside, the article sites that the barriers to adopting hypnosis as part of a pain management regimen include misconception about hypnosis. Many people are skeptical, believing that hypnosis is theatrical from what they have seen and heard about it. They may believe that when under hypnosis they have less control, when in fact, the opposite is true.
As for the future, the use of hypnosis as part of a pain management regimen may grow when the potential for increased well-being of the patient and cost savings are recognized.
At the moment, it's a gem in the rough.
For further reading:
Hypnosis: Neglected Weapon Against Chronic Pain?
Comments
Post a Comment