Practicing self-hypnosis to reduce chronic pain: A qualitative exploratory study of HYlaDO.
Rémi Caron-Trahan, Anne-Eva Jusseaux, Maryse Aubin, Éloise Cardinal, Jennifer Aramideh, Moulay Idrissi, Nadia Godin, Mathieu Landry, Robert Urbanowicz, Pierre Rainville, Philippe Richebé, David Ogez
British Journal of Pain February 2024 DOI: 10.1177/20494637231200324 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 17 |
| Population | People with chronic pain who had participated in the HYlaDO self-hypnosis program |
| Interventions | hetero-hypnosis self-hypnosis |
| Topics | Anxiety |
| Keywords | Hypnosis Chronic pain Group intervention Qualitative study |
| Key findings | Participants reported that practicing hetero-hypnosis and self-hypnosis decreased pain and anxiety, and indicated they developed an independent, beneficial self-hypnosis practice by integrating the techniques taught. The authors conclude that the program's targets of pain, anxiety, and autonomy in self-hypnosis practice were reached, supporting further development of HYlaDO. |
Abstract
Background: Nearly a quarter of Canada's population suffers from chronic pain, a long-lasting medical condition marked by physical pain and psychological suffering. Opioids are the primary treatment for pain management in this condition; yet, this approach involves several undesirable side effects. In contrast to this established approach, non-pharmacological interventions, such as medical hypnosis, represent an efficient alternative for pain management in the context of chronic pain. HYlaDO is a self-hypnosis program designed to improve pain management for people with chronic pain.
Purpose: This research aimed to evaluate the HYlaDO program based on the proof-of-concept level of the ORBIT model and investigated participants' subjective experience. Research
Design: Qualitative study. Study sample: Seventeen participants with chronic pain took part in this study. Data collection: We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with patients who had participated in HYlaDO to identify the three targets of desired change: pain, anxiety and autonomy in self-hypnosis practice.
Results: Thematic analysis revealed that the practice of hetero-hypnosis and self-hypnosis decreased (i) pain and (ii) anxiety. Also, it (iii) indicated the development of an independent and beneficial self-hypnosis practice by having integrated the techniques taught.
Conclusion: These results confirm that the established targets were reached and support further development, implementation and scaling up of this program. Consequently, we believe it is justified to move to the next step of program development.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on anxiety, most cited first.