Hypnosis and suggestion as interventions for functional neurological disorder: A systematic review

Connors, Michael H., Quinto, Lena, Deeley, Quinton, Halligan, Peter W. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2784-6690, Oakley, David A. and Kanaan, Richard A. 2024. Hypnosis and suggestion as interventions for functional neurological disorder: A systematic review. General Hospital Psychiatry 86 , pp. 92-102. 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.12.006

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Abstract

Objective Functional neurological disorder (FND) involves the presence of neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by neurological disease. FND has long been linked to hypnosis and suggestion, both of which have been used as treatments. Given ongoing interest, this review examined evidence for the efficacy of hypnosis and suggestion as treatment interventions for FND. Method A systematic search of bibliographic databases was conducted to identify group studies published over the last hundred years. No restrictions were placed on study design, language, or clinical setting. Two reviewers independently assessed papers for inclusion, extracted data, and rated study quality. Results The search identified 35 studies, including 5 randomised controlled trials, 2 non-randomised trials, and 28 pre-post studies. Of 1584 patients receiving either intervention, 1379 (87%) showed significant improvements, including many who demonstrated resolution of their symptoms in the short-term. Given the heterogeneity of interventions and limitations in study quality overall, more formal quantitative synthesis was not possible. Conclusions The findings highlight longstanding and ongoing interest in using hypnosis and suggestion as interventions for FND. While the findings appear promising, limitations in the evidence base, reflecting limitations in FND research more broadly, prevent definitive recommendations. Further research seems warranted given these supportive findings.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0163-8343
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	23 January 2024
Date of Acceptance:	10 December 2023
Last Modified:	30 Apr 2024 13:35
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/165763

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