We discuss the role of hypnotisability in the development and treatment of chronic pain, and in the prognosis of its possible cardiovascular consequences. Data indicate that high hypnotic susceptibility is not necessary for the relief of chronic pain obtained through hypnotic treatment. Moreover, and at variance with an earlier hypothesis, being highly susceptible to hypnosis does not represent a higher risk for developing chronic pain; in fact, high hypnotizability may be a favourable protective factor against the possible cardiovascular consequences of chronic pain. However, we cannot exclude that psychological factors such as mindfulness, well-being, pain catastrophizing differ in Highs versus Lows, and these may represent the real agents of the differences between the two groups in pain experience, the development of chronic pain, and possible vascular consequences of chronic pain.
Chronic pain: an ambiguous connection
SANTARCANGELO, ENRICA LAURA
2008-01-01
Abstract
We discuss the role of hypnotisability in the development and treatment of chronic pain, and in the prognosis of its possible cardiovascular consequences. Data indicate that high hypnotic susceptibility is not necessary for the relief of chronic pain obtained through hypnotic treatment. Moreover, and at variance with an earlier hypothesis, being highly susceptible to hypnosis does not represent a higher risk for developing chronic pain; in fact, high hypnotizability may be a favourable protective factor against the possible cardiovascular consequences of chronic pain. However, we cannot exclude that psychological factors such as mindfulness, well-being, pain catastrophizing differ in Highs versus Lows, and these may represent the real agents of the differences between the two groups in pain experience, the development of chronic pain, and possible vascular consequences of chronic pain.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
