Treatment of non-cardiac chest pain: a controlled trial of hypnotherapy
Jones H, et al.
Published in Gut
Methodology
Randomised controlled trial comparing 12 sessions of gut-directed hypnotherapy with supportive listening plus placebo medication over 17 weeks in patients with non-cardiac chest pain, with global symptom improvement as primary endpoint.
Key Findings
In 28 patients with non-cardiac chest pain, 12 sessions of gut-directed hypnotherapy produced significantly greater global improvement in pain (80% vs 23% of controls) and reduced pain intensity and medication use compared with supportive listening plus placebo medication, though quality of life scores changed little.
Conclusions
Hypnotherapy substantially improved symptoms in refractory non-cardiac chest pain, supporting a brain-gut treatment approach.
Limitations
Small single-centre trial, therapist attention could not be fully matched, blinding of participants impossible, outcomes largely self-reported, and durability beyond the treatment period not established.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
Academic/NHS research funding (UK)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.