Page 26 - JCBP-3-3

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Utilizing hypnosis to cope with fibromyalgia

group demonstrated significantly lower VAS and FIQ scores A typical hypnosis session for FMS may involve the
compared to the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, following steps: 1. Induction: The therapist guides the
within the hypnosis group, significant improvements were patient into a state of deep relaxation through techniques
observed in both VAS and FIQ scores from baseline to the such as eye fixation. 2. Deepening: Multisensory imagery
3-month follow-up (P = 0.006 and P = 0.005, respectively). and progressive relaxation are used to further deepen
In contrast, no significant changes were noted in the control the hypnotic state. 3. Therapeutic suggestions: Tailored
group (P = 0.063). A review of the efficacy of hypnotherapy suggestions are provided to address specific symptoms.
in FMS patients is shown in Table 1. These may include dissociation, e.g., encouraging the
patient to view pain as separate from his/her identity (“Pain
6. Using hypnotherapy for FMS patients does not belong to you”). 4. Imagery: The therapist guides
Hypnosis has emerged as a valuable tool in managing the patient to visualize soothing scenes, such as swimming
the multifaceted symptoms of fibromyalgia. Symptom- in a calming pool. 5. Breathing Techniques: Promotion of
oriented hypnosis specifically targets and reduces common slow, deep breathing to reduce stress and anxiety. 1
FMS symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, Selected cases have highlighted the success of
anxiety, and depression. Hypnotherapy delves into innovative hypnotherapeutic methods in managing pain.
emotional conflicts and unresolved traumas that may Algovisual synaesthesia is an approach used to modulate
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underlie and exacerbate FMS. 1,6
pain through multisensory association. In one instance, a
A comprehensive systematic review by Zech et al. patient with FMS was asked to associate a color with her
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underscores the versatility of hypnosis in treating FMS. It pain experience, starting with pink, and then associate
highlights the effectiveness of various techniques, including a white, marble color with feelings of well-being. The
tailored Ericksonian hypnosis, traditional hypnosis, and following session involved suggestions to transform the
suggestions addressing pain or other relevant concerns. pink-rose color into white marble to alleviate pain without
Patients can also use audio files with symptom- explicitly mentioning pain. In another instance, a patient
oriented hypnosis to practice daily. Self-management is with pain associated with the deep-blue color was asked to
strongly recommended for patients with FMS according to transform it to sky-blue, which correlated with a sense of
guidelines set by MacFarlane et al. and Petzke et al. 52 well-being resulting in significant pain relief.
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Combining hypnotherapy with other psychotherapeutic Hypnoanalytical treatments have also proven effective
methods, such as acceptance-based CBTs, is an effective for highly hypnotizable individuals with a history of abuse
approach to improving pain coping. Patients with FMS or PTSD. By utilizing age regression techniques, therapists
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typically receive around 14 hypnotic sessions and are can help patients uncover and process deeply rooted
instructed to practice self-hypnosis daily for 20 min each. 2,13 traumas and conflicts, often leading to significant symptom

Table 1. Effectiveness of hypnosis for FMS: A review of RCT and meta‑analyses
Authors Year No. Study Follow‑up Results
Haanen et al. 45 1991 40 RCT – Hypnosis versus physical therapy 12 – 24 weeks Better pain relief with hypnosis
Castel et al. 49 2007 47 RCT – Hypnosis versus relaxation n.a. Hypnosis≠Relaxation
Martinez-Valero et al. 46 2008 6 Hypnosis versus CBT versus drugs n.a. Hypnosis/CBT better than drugs
Bernardy et al. 36 2011 256 Meta-analysis (6 hypnosis RCT) 8 weeks (average) Large effect on pain relief, medium on sleep, HRQoL
unchanged
Picard et al. 47 2013 62 RCT – Hypnosis versus controls 12 – 24 weeks Hypnosis was better than controls on sleep,
cognitive functioning, and PGIC
De Benedittis 13 2014 24 RCT (hypnosis+ST vs. ST alone) 24 weeks Hypnosis+ST was better than ST alone in the long run
Zech et al. 48 2016 252 RCT – Guided imagery/hypnosis versus 12 weeks GI/H was better than controls on pain relief and
controls psychological distress
Aravenaet al. 44 2020 97 RCT – Audio-recorded hypnosis versus 4 weeks Hypnosis was better than controls on pain relief and
controls fatigue
Baykus et al. 50 2023 20 RCT – Hypnosis versus controls 12 weeks Hypnosis was better than controls on pain relief and
fatigue and FIQ
Abbreviations: CBT: Cognitive behavioral therapy; HrQol: Health-related quality of life; PGIC: Patient global impression of change; ST: Standard
therapy; GI: Guided imagery; FIQ Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire; FMS: Fibromyalgia syndrome; randomized controlled trial.

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 20 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4796