Hypnotizability and chronic pain: an ambiguous connection

Abstract

We discuss the role of hypnotizability in the development and treatment of chronic pain, and in the prognosis of its possible cardiovascular consequences. Data indicate that high hypnotic susceptibility is not necessary for the relief of chronic pain obtained through hypnotic treatment. Moreover, and at variance with an earlier hypothesis, being highly susceptible to hypnosis does not represent a higher risk for developing chronic pain; in addition, high hypnotizability may be a favourable protective factor against the possible cardiovascular consequences of chronic pain. However, we cannot exclude that psychological factors such as mindfulness, well-being and pain-catastrophizing differ in ‘Highs’ versus ‘Lows’, and these may represent the real agents of the differences between the two groups in pain experience, the development of chronic pain, and possible vascular consequences of chronic pain. Copyright © 2008 British Society of Experimental & Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.