Investigating Hypnosis in Chronic Pelvic Pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Processes and Psychological Factors Involved in Hypnotic Modulation of Chronic Pelvic Pain
IRAS ID
178051
Contact name
Amanda Williams
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a debilitating condition often associated with significant psychological difficulties such as anxiety and depression. The treatment of CPP is complex and challenging. Typically, when medical avenues of treatment (drugs and surgery) have been exhausted, patients are referred for multi-disciplinary management with an emphasis on psychological treatment. There is increasing experimental and clinical evidence for the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating a variety of chronic pain problems. However, the usefulness of hypnosis for treating CPP has not been reported. In addition, little is understood about how patients practice hypnosis to help their symptoms.
Given the lack of psychological interventions for CPP and the increasing evidence of effectiveness of hypnosis in other pain disorders, the aim of the current research study is to assess the use of hypnosis for reducing pain and psychological distress in males and females suffering with CPP. In addition, we plan to explore how patients differ in the way they use hypnosis. These questions will be explored by following several patients through their normal clinical appointments and using questionnaires and interviews before or after their treatment sessions. We can then use the information obtained through the questionnaires to see if there are any links between hypnosis use and how effective hypnosis is. This information may be important in guiding future clinical work involving hypnosis for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0345
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion