Hypnosis for chronic pain, oncology and other disorders
The clinical use of hypnosis to manage pain has a long history, with surgeons and medical staff using hypnosis as a substitute for chemical anesthesia to alleviate the suffering of injured patients (hypnosedation).
It is important for us to understand the mechanisms underlying the reported changes in pain perception during this modified state of consciousness. The neurobiological correlates of hypnosis have been difficult to interpret given the multiple variables involved, such as the type of suggestions targeted (which include analgesia, visual or motor imagery, altered perception, and others).
We are studying how hypnotic procedures and hypnotic instructions activate a process that modifies the functional organization of the brain, depending on the individual’s level of susceptibility. Regarding clinical application, we are studying how hypnosis can be efficient to help patients with different pathologies (chronic pain, oncology, locked-in syndrome, intensive care, etc) to better cope with their symptoms and how this technique can improve their quality of life.
