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Randomized Controlled Study of the Efficacy of Hypnosis Versus Relaxation and Control in Neuropathic Pain

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Neuropathic Pain
Interventions
Behavioral: Hypnosis sessions
Behavioral: Relaxation group
Registration Number
NCT02256371
Lead Sponsor
Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris
Brief Summary

A randomized double-blind controlled two centers study. The primary objective of this study will be to show a superiority of hypnosis over relaxation on pain intensity in patients with neuropathic pain.

Detailed Description

The secondary objectives of this study are:

* to show a superiority of hypnosis and relaxation over control group on neuropathic pain.

* to show a lasting effect of treatment on neuropathic pain one week after the end of treatment.

* to evaluate the clinical predictors of response to hypnosis (nature of neuropathic symptoms, severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, coping strategies, emotional regulation, response to the first session, positive or negative emotional reaction at the end of hypnosis sessions).

* to evaluate the effect of hypnosis at long-term (1, 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment).

* to evaluate the effect of hypnosis on emotional processes.

* to compare hypnosis to relaxation on short-term effects on pain,

* to evaluate the quality of life and the impact of pain on daily life: sleep, mood, anxiety symptoms, analgesics consumption , neuropathic symptoms, affective component of pain and pain catastrophizing.

35 patients will be enrolled in each arm, to obtain 105 in total (3 arms). Total duration for each patient: 8 months.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
105
Inclusion Criteria
  • peripheral or central neuropathic pain, probable or definite
  • Diagnostic questionnaire score DN4 ≥ 4/10
  • Chronic Pain with an average of pain intensity greater than or equal to 4/10 (digital scale)
  • Presence of daily or almost daily pain (i.e. at least 4 days per week)
  • Patient with pre-existing pain for > 6 months
  • Patient > 18 and < 60 years old
  • Patient with a stable analgesic treatment since 15 days before inclusion
  • Patient able to participate to the trial during 33 weeks
  • Patient having a health insurance
  • Written informed consent signed by the patient.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Prior treatment with hypnosis
  • Currently under active psychotherapy (Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, psychoanalysis)
  • Work accident or litigation
  • Drugs abuse or Psychoactive Substance Abuse (DSM-IV)
  • Neuropathic pain associated with progressive disease (MS, HIV, cancer ...)
  • Major depression with ongoing disability or psychosis (DSM IV)
  • Intermittent pain
  • Patient with pre-existing pain for < 6 months
  • Other more severe pain than the pain justifying inclusion
  • Subject unable to understand the trial information provided in the informed consent document
  • Subject under curators or guardianship
  • Severe Handicap or amputation
  • Participation to another study in the same period
  • Deafness
  • Cognitive disorders (dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment, inability to understand the questionnaires)
  • For patients of the control arm: Treatment by hypnosis and / or relaxation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or invasive treatments (surgery)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Hypnotic analgesiaHypnosis sessionsHypnosis sessions: Hypnosis will consist of 45 minutes hypnosis session with a trained hypnotherapist
RelaxationRelaxation groupRelaxation group: Relaxation will be conducted in 45 minutes sessions with a trained psychotherapist.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Weekly mean pain intensity in patients diaries9 week

The pain intensity score will be recorded daily by each patient on a self-assessment diary using a scale of 0 to 10. The record will begin from the first session of hypnosis or relaxation to the last session (S1 to S9).

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Evaluation of the feeling of comfort and relaxation9 weeks

At the end of each hypnosis or relaxation session, with a scale from 0 to 10.

Interference with pain (Brief Pain Inventory)8 months
Percentage of responders8 months
Pain intensity measured at the end of each visit and 3 and 6 months after the end of the treatment8 months

Pain intensity measured at the end of each hypnosis or relaxation session and 3 and 6 months after the end of the treatment

Affective components of pain8 months

At the end of each visit and 3 and 6 months after the end of the treatment

Emotional processes and Alexithymia8 months
Neuropathic symptoms (NPSI)8 months
Depression and anxiety8 months
Pain catastrophizing9 months
Pain relief8 months
Quality of life assessment8 months
Delay of onset of analgesic effects8 weeks
Emotional distress caused by pain8 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Centre d'évaluation et de traitement de la douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré

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Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine, France

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