Effects of specific hypnotic suggestions on mechanical and thermal sensitivity of healthy volunteers: randomized and double-blind study

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypnotic suggestions for hypoalgesia or analgesia are efficient for relieving different pain conditions, presenting few or no side effects. However, little is known about its direct effect on the modulation of peripheral nociception. The goal of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and thermal response after specific hypnotic suggestions in healthy volunteers. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blinded controlled trial that aimed to evaluate both mechanical and thermal nociception after specific hypnotic suggestions in healthy volunteers. For this, twenty-seven participants were enrolled, according to the following eligibility criteria: age between 18-65 years and absence of pain complaints or psychological disorders. After signed Free Informed Consent Term (FICT) the participants were divided by a computer-generated randomiza-HIGHLIGHTS • Specific hypnotic suggestions can modulate peripheral nociception in healthy subjects.• Data show a modulatory effect for both pain and analgesia sensations.• Hypnosis can be considered a feasible technique for the clinical pain management.