Effects of hypnosis vs mindfulness meditation vs education on chronic pain intensity and secondary outcomes in veterans: a randomized clinical trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation (MM) with hypnosis (HYP) and an education control (ED) in reducing chronic pain and related symptoms in veterans.
Results Summary
Mindfulness meditation showed greater decreases in average pain intensity and pain interference at 6 months posttreatment compared to the education control, with benefits persisting beyond treatment. No significant differences were found between MM and HYP at any time point.
Population
Veterans with chronic pain (N = 328).
Effective Dosage
8 manualized, group-based, in-person sessions.
Duration
8 sessions (duration not specified).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
hypnosis (HYP) | decrease | average pain intensity (API) | Veterans | - | greater decreases | #1 |
hypnosis (HYP) | decrease | pain interference | Veterans | - | greater decreases | #2 |
hypnosis (HYP) | decrease | depressive symptoms | Veterans | - | greater decreases | #3 |
mindfulness meditation (MM) | decrease | average pain intensity (API) | Veterans | - | greater decreases | #4 |
mindfulness meditation (MM) | decrease | pain interference | Veterans | - | greater decreases | #5 |
hypnosis (HYP) | no change | outcomes | Veterans | - | no significant differences | #6 |
mindfulness meditation (MM) | no change | outcomes | Veterans | - | no significant differences | #7 |
hypnosis (HYP) | decrease | average pain intensity (API) | Veterans | - | improvements | #8 |
mindfulness meditation (MM) | decrease | average pain intensity (API) | Veterans | - | improvements | #9 |
active education control (ED) | decrease | average pain intensity (API) | Veterans | - | improvements | #10 |
hypnosis (HYP) | decrease | several secondary variables | Veterans | - | improvements | #11 |
mindfulness meditation (MM) | decrease | several secondary variables | Veterans | - | improvements | #12 |
active education control (ED) | decrease | several secondary variables | Veterans | - | improvements | #13 |
active education control (ED) | decrease | improvements | Veterans | - | dissipate over time | #14 |
Effective, rigorously evaluated nonpharmacological treatments for chronic pain are needed. This study compared the effectiveness of training in hypnosis (HYP) and mindfulness meditation (MM) with an active education control (ED). Veterans (N = 328) were randomly assigned to 8 manualized, group-based, in-person sessions of HYP (n = 110), MM (n = 108), or ED (n = 110). Primary (average pain intensity [API]) and secondary outcomes were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3 and 6 months posttreatment. Treatment effects were evaluated using linear regression, a generalized estimating equation approach, or a Fisher exact test, depending on the variable. There were no significant omnibus between-group differences in pretreatment to posttreatment change in API; however, pretreatment to posttreatment improvements in API and several secondary variables were seen for participants in all 3 conditions. Participation in MM resulted in greater decreases in API and pain interference at 6 months posttreatment relative to ED. Participation in HYP resulted in greater decreases in API, pain interference, and depressive symptoms at 3 and 6 months posttreatment compared with ED. No significant differences on outcomes between HYP and MM were detected at any time point. This study suggests that all 3 interventions provide posttreatment benefits on a range of outcomes, but the benefits of HYP and MM continue beyond the end of treatment, while the improvements associated with ED dissipate over time. Future research is needed to determine whether the between-group differences that emerged posttreatment are reliable, whether there are benefits of combining treatments, and to explore moderating and mediating factors.