A Systematic Review of Hypnosis for Clinical Pain Relief
Abstract
Background: Previous reviews report moderate reductions in clinical pain with hypnotic suggestion but provide only partial views by comparing hypnosis with inactive controls alone or including few studies or mixed control groups. This review comprehensively evaluated the efficacy of hypnosis in reducing clinical pain intensity compared with non-active and active controls.
Methods: Systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review guidelines with comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis. A total of 106 studies met inclusion criteria; 104 effect sizes from 84 studies were pooled using random-effects models, and 22 studies were narratively synthesised. Five databases were searched from inception to October 2025 for randomised controlled trials evaluating hypnosis versus non-active or active non-pharmacological controls for clinical pain intensity. Two independent reviewers screened articles and extracted data using standardised tools.
Results: Meta-analysis of 57 studies (4572 participants) showed reduced post-intervention pain following hypnosis versus non-active controls (SMD -0.33). Pre-post change scores yielded a comparable but non-significant effect (SMD -0.31). Subgroup analyses showed no differences by pain type, control type or delivery mode. Hypnosis did not outperform active controls, including relaxation (14 studies, SMD -0.13), pain education (7 studies, SMD -0.17 to -0.19) or…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 4,572 participants or records.
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