Hypnosis and Psychological Interventions in Chronic Pain Management
Summary
Chronic pain affects a significant proportion of the global population, often persisting despite standard pharmacological treatments. Hypnosis and related psychological interventions have emerged as valuable adjuncts, targeting the cognitive and affective dimensions of pain. Hypnotic techniques engage focused attention, imagery and suggestion to modulate pain perception and reduce associated anxiety. When combined with cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based approaches, hypnosis can enhance self-efficacy, promote adaptive coping strategies and diminish maladaptive thought patterns such as pain catastrophizing. Delivery formats range from individual and group sessions to digital platforms and self-hypnosis training, enabling scalable interventions. Neuroimaging and psychophysiological studies suggest that hypnosis alters activity within pain-processing networks, including the anterior cingulate cortex and insula, and can engage descending inhibitory pathways. These interventions thus offer a biopsychosocial framework that complements medication, reduces reliance on opioids and addresses the complex interplay of cognition, emotion and neurobiology in chronic pain.
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Hypnosis and Psychological Interventions in Chronic Pain Management publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hypnosis and psychological interventions in chronic pain management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hypnosis: A therapeutic technique using guided attention, imagery and suggestion to alter perception and promote symptom relief.
Self-hypnosis: A patient-driven form of hypnosis in which individuals apply learned techniques independently to manage pain and stress.
Cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT): A structured psychological approach that addresses the interplay of thoughts, emotions and behaviours to modify maladaptive patterns.
Pain catastrophizing: A maladaptive cognitive process characterised by magnification of pain threats, rumination and feelings of helplessness.
References
- Complementary treatment comparison for chronic pain management: A randomized longitudinal study. PLOS ONE (2021).
- Using hypnosis in clinical practice for the management of chronic pain: A qualitative study. Patient Education and Counseling (2023).
- Make me more comfortable: effects of a hypnosis session on pain perception in chronic pain patients. Frontiers in Psychology (2024).
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