Positive Health Online

Abstract

JENSEN and COLLEAGUES, 1 a University of Washington , Seattle , USA; 2 b The University of Queensland , Brisbane , Australia; 3 c Ottawa University , Phoenix , Arizona , USA; conducted a  pilot study to  evaluate the possibility that two interventions hypothesized to increase slower brain oscillations may enhance the efficacy of hypnosis treatment.

Background

This pilot study evaluated the possibility that two interventions hypothesized to increase slower brain oscillations (e.g., theta) may enhance the efficacy of hypnosis treatment, given evidence that hypnotic responding is associated with slower brain oscillations.

Methodology

Thirty-two individuals with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain, fatigue, or both, were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 interventions thought to increase slow wave activity (mindfulness meditation or neurofeedback training) or no enhancing intervention, and then given 5 sessions of self-hypnosis training targeting their presenting symptoms.

Results

The findings supported the potential for both neurofeedback and mindfulness to enhance response to hypnosis treatment.

Conclusion

Research using larger sample sizes to determine the generalizability of these findings is warranted.

References

Mark P Jensen  1 , Samuel L Battalio  1 , Joy F Chan  1 , Karlyn A Edwards  1 , Melissa A Day  2 , Leslie H Sherlin  3 , Dawn M Ehde  1   Use of Neurofeedback and Mindfulness to Enhance Response to Hypnosis Treatment in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: Results From a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial  Int J Clin Exp Hypn; 66(3):231-264. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2018.1460546. Jul-Sep 2018.