Background and aims. European data suggests that actual treatments are insufficient to reduce pain for up to 40% of pain sufferers. Hypnosis, given in the presence of therapist (live hypnosis) or, alternately, via pre-recorded audio interventions, could be interesting non-pharmacological approaches to reduce pain and discomfort in various situations. The aim of this study was to compare the hypoalgesic effect of hypnosis during live versus recorded hypnotic interventions. 

Methods. Sixty healthy volunteers (18-45 years old, mean age 26±5) were assigned to receive 30 min of a live (hypnotherapist in the room) or pre-recorded hypnosis session (using earbuds). The content of both sessions was identical and contained phases of induction, deepening, analgesia suggestions and de-induction. Experimental pain was evoked with a 10 cm2 thermode applied on the left forearm for 2 min, during which the participant had to evaluate pain intensity with a 0-100 computerized visual analogue scale. Pain measures were taken before (baseline) and during hypnosis (immediately after suggestions of analgesia).  

Results. Both hypnotic interventions (live and pre-recorded) reduced pain intensity when compared to baseline (all p-values < 0.01) and produced a clinically important change (average pain reduction of 21 points). Pain intensity at baseline and during hypnosis, as well as pain decrements (delta score reflecting hypoalgesic response) were comparable between the two groups (all p-values > 0.37). 

Conclusion. Our results suggest that live hypnosis and pre-recorded hypnosis confer comparative hypoalgesic effects on experimental pain. Future studies, looking into the efficacy of pre-recorded hypnosis sessions in clinical populations are warranted.

CONTRASTING THE EFFECT OF LIVE AND RECORDED HYPNOSIS: IS ONE APPROACH MORE EFFECTIVE TO REDUCE EXPERIMENTAL PAIN?