July 25, 2025

Clinical Hypnosis for Chronic Illnesses: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Key Points

Clinical hypnosis shows potential benefits for managing chronic illnesses like fibromyalgia and cancer.
Sixteen randomized controlled trials involving 20 to 169 participants were reviewed to assess treatment outcomes.
Hypnosis interventions included relaxation techniques and positive imagery, often in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Findings indicate improvements in pain reduction, emotional distress, and quality of life, highlighting the need for more rigorous studies.

Abstract

Chronic illnesses require a multifaceted treatment approach, and clinical hypnosis has shown promise as a complementary intervention. This scoping review maps the evidence on clinical hypnosis for chronic illness management, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines and scoping review framework by Arksey and O'Malley's (2005), a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus identified 16 RCTs involving adults with conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, obesity, and heart disease. Studies were conducted primarily in Europe and the USA, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 169, predominantly among middle-aged adults. Hypnosis interventions varied, including relaxation induction, positive imagery, and self-hypnosis, often combined with therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Positive outcomes were found in pain reduction, emotional distress, quality of life, sleep, and fatigue, particularly among patients with fibromyalgia and cancer. This review underscores the potential of clinical hypnosis to reducing pain and enhancing well-being. However, the methodological heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for more rigorous research to optimize hypnosis-based interventions for chronic conditions.

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