Effects of hypnosis and placebo on chronic neuropathic pain
A Randomized-controlled Clinical Trial of Hypnosis Versus Open Label Placebo for Chronic Neuropathic Pain With an Investigation of Neuro-cognitive Dysfunctions as Maintaining Factors and Therapeutic Targets
This study is testing whether hypnosis and a placebo can help people with chronic nerve pain feel better compared to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Lausanne Hospitals Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lausanne) |
| Trial ID | NCT03783624 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the impact of hypnosis and an open label placebo on patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain. It will compare these treatments against healthy controls to assess maladaptive stress responses, pain modulation, and cognitive impairments. The study involves a prospective observational design and a randomized controlled approach, with participants undergoing cognitive assessments and treatment over an 8-week period. Participants will be recruited from the Lausanne University Hospital's Pain Center and through local advertisements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-90 with peripheral neuropathic pain lasting over six months and a pain intensity of at least 3/10.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive deficits, severe psychiatric conditions, or prior negative experiences with hypnosis may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new complementary treatment options for managing chronic neuropathic pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of hypnosis in pain management has been explored, this specific combination of interventions and methodologies is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients: Inclusion criteria: * aged 18-90 years, * interested in complementary medicine * peripheral neuropathic pain lasting for more than 6 months, * pain intensity of at least 3/10 VAS over the last two weeks Exclusion criteria: * cognitive deficit (MMSE\<24/30), * severe hearing impairment, * acute psychiatric (e.g. suicidality, psychotic symptoms) or somatic (e.g. unstable cardiorespiratory condition) co-morbidity preventing full engagement in the 8-week study intervention, * prior negative experience with hypnosis, * allergy or intolerance to mannitol. Healthy controls: Inclusion Criteria: * matching patients for age and gender, * no chronic pain condition no acute pain condition requiring daily intake of analgesics, * no acute medical or psychiatric condition.
Where this trial is running
Lausanne
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) — Lausanne, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chantal Berna Renella, MD PhD
- Email: chantal.berna-renella@chuv.ch
- Phone: +41 795564744
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.