Page 27 - JCBP-3-3

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

reduction or even complete resolution. Hypnoanalytical Author contributions
13
treatments have also proven effective for highly hypnotizable
individuals with a history of abuse or PTSD. This is a single-authored article.

7. Limitations and future perspectives Ethics approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.
Most studies on hypnotherapy for FMS have limited
clinical significance due to small sample sizes and lack of Consent for publication
follow-up evaluations. Furthermore, authors often do not
provide sufficient detail on appropriate treatment methods, Not applicable.
comparisons with alternative therapies such as CBT, or Availability of data
factors predicting treatment success. In addition, the cost-
effectiveness of hypnotherapy remains unexplored. Not applicable.

The management of FMS can be optimized by adopting References
standardized protocols that integrate mechanism-directed
hypnosis, or theranostic hypnosis, and high-quality 1. De Benedittis G. The challenge of fibromyalgia efficacy of
controlled studies. The application of mechanism-based hypnosis in alleviating the invisible pain: A narrative review.
Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2023;71(4):276-296.
techniques, as exemplified by gut-directed hypnosis for IBS,
54
has shown potential for improving FMS treatment outcomes. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2023.2247443
To optimize the use of hypnosis in FMS management, 2. De Benedittis G. Hypnosis and fibromyalgia. In: Elkins G,
it is crucial to adhere to the efficacy standards established editor. Handbook of Medical and Psychological Hypnosis.
by a task force of six major hypnosis organizations. By New York: Springer Publishing Company; 2016. p. 235-244.
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following these guidelines, the therapeutic efficacy of 3. Wolfe F, Smythe HA, Yunus MB, et al. The American college
hypnosis for FMS can be significantly enhanced. of rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of
fibromyalgia. Report of the multicenter criteria committee.
8. Conclusion Arthritis Rheum. 1990;33(2):160-172.

FMS is a complex, chronic functional pain syndrome doi: 10.1002/art.1780330203
that significantly impacts QoL. It is characterized by 4. Lami MJ, Martínez MP, Sánchez AI. Systematic review
widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, non-restorative of psychological treatment in fibromyalgia. Curr Pain
sleep, cognitive dysfunction, and significant psychological Headache Rep. 2013;17(7):345.
distress, including anxiety and depression. Managing FMS doi: 10.1007/s11916-013-0345-8
can be challenging, as most treatments tend to be ineffective. 5. Yunus MB. The role of gender in fibromyalgia syndrome.
Clinicians may consider incorporating hypnosis, along Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2001;3(2):128-134.
with daily self-hypnosis practice, as a complementary
therapy to standard medical care for FMS patients. While doi: 10.1007/s11926-001-0008-3
the therapeutic benefits of hypnotherapy may take time 6. Häuser W, De Benedittis G. Hypnosis and fibromyalgia
to manifest, patients may experience sustained or even syndrome. In: Linden J, De Benedittis G, Varga K,
improved outcomes over extended periods of treatment. Sugarman L, editors. The International Handbook of Clinical
However, further rigorous research is required to establish Hypnosis. United Kingdom: Routledge; 2024.
the efficacy of hypnotherapy in larger sample sizes with 7. Siracusa R, Paola RD, Cuzzocrea S, Impellizzeri D.
longer follow-up periods, along with the evaluation of its Fibromyalgia: Pathogenesis, mechanisms, diagnosis and
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doi: 10.3390/ijms22083891
Acknowledgments
8. Whibley D, Dean LE, Basu N. Management of widespread
None. pain and fibromyalgia. Curr Treatm Opt Rheumatol.
2016;2(4):312-320.
Funding
doi: 10.1007/s40674-016-0056-5
None.
9. Wolfe F, Clauw DJ, Fitzcharles MA, et al. Fibromyalgia
Conflict of interest criteria and severity scales for clinical and epidemiological
studies: A modification of the ACR preliminary diagnostic
The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest. criteria for fibromyalgia. J Rheumatol. 2011;38(6):1113-1122.

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 21 doi: 10.36922/jcbp.4796