A Decade of Hypnotherapy Research for Multiple Sclerosis Symptom Management: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for symptom control in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Following PRISMA guidelines, eight research (N=423 participants, sample sizes 15-173) were assessed using the PEDro scale. Hypnotherapy showed significant benefits, including a 30-45% reduction in pain intensity (p<0.01), an 8.19 point decrease in Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory scores (p<0.05), a 1.98-point improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (p<0.05), and a 3.7-point reduction in DASS-21 depression subscale. Optimal protocols included 8-10 weekly 45-60-minute sessions, with coupled treatments (hypnotherapy with neurofeedback or mindfulness) producing better results (additional 15-20% improvement). Follow-ups revealed that psychological advantages persisted, although pain alleviation decreased after 6 months without maintenance. The evidence suggests that hypnotherapy can be an effective additional strategy for MS symptom management, with hypnotic cognitive treatment exhibiting notable efficacy for tiredness and psychosocial problems. Methodological limitations demand larger trials with standardized methodologies.