Use of Neurofeedback to Enhance Response to Hypnotic Analgesia in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2016;64(1):1-23. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2015.1099400.

Abstract

This proof of principle study examined the potential benefits of EEG neurofeedback for increasing responsiveness to self-hypnosis training for chronic pain management. The study comprised 20 individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) who received 5 sessions of self-hypnosis training--1 face-to-face session and 4 prerecorded sessions. Participants were randomly assigned to have the prerecorded sessions preceded by either (a) EEG biofeedback (neurofeedback) training to increase left anterior theta power (NF-HYP) or (b) a relaxation control condition (RLX-HYP). Eighteen participants completed all treatment sessions and assessments. NF-HYP participants reported greater reductions in pain than RLX-HYP participants. The findings provide support for the potential treatment-enhancing effects of neurofeedback on hypnotic analgesia and also suggest that effective hypnosis treatment can be provided very efficiently.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Analgesia / methods*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnosis / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / psychology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Neurofeedback / methods*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Management / methods