Hypnotherapy as a Nonpharmacological Treatment for the Psychological Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis.

CONTEXT: Stress and chronic pain are the factors that most influence the quality of life and well-being of people with MS, and 90% of adults with MS suffer from persistent fatigue. These symptoms can be associated with other disorders such as depression, and drug treatments provide inadequate comfort for most people with them.

OBJECTIVE

The study intended to examine the impact of hypnosis and hypnotherapy in the management of symptoms of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), such as stress, chronic pain, an inferior quality of life, and a lack of psychological well-being.

DESIGN

The research team performed a systematic narrative review by searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases, including review articles and other studies for additional citations.

SETTING

The study was conducted at our Scientific Institute for Research (IRCCS) in Messina.

RESULTS

Only 14 of 121 publications met the inclusion criteria and were selected. Hypnotic treatment is an effective therapy that has beneficial impacts on the intensity of perceived pain, psychological well-being, mood disorders, and fatigue, and in addition, it significantly improves physical functioning in MS patients. The same effects haven't been obtained with other nonpharmacological techniques.

CONCLUSION

Hypnosis is an appropriate psychological therapy for the management of MS patients' symptoms.