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A phase I study on the feasibility and acceptability of an acupuncture/hypnosis intervention for chronic pediatric
Lonnie K Zeltzer1, Jennie C I Tsao, Carla Stelling
1UCLA Pediatric Pain Program, Department of Pediatrics, #22-464 MDCC, UCLA School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752, USA.
Insights
This study found that combining acupuncture and hypnosis is a feasible and acceptable treatment for children with chronic pain. The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach significantly reduced pain and improved functioning in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Background:
- Chronic pain affects a significant number of children, impacting their quality of life.
- Current treatment options for pediatric chronic pain have limitations.
- There is a need for safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a combined acupuncture and hypnosis intervention for pediatric chronic pain.
- To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of this CAM package in reducing pain and improving functioning.
- To examine the impact on children's anxiety and depression.
Main Methods:
- A Phase I clinical investigation involving 33 children (aged 6-18 years) with chronic pain.
- Participants received 6 weekly sessions of tailored acupuncture combined with hypnosis.
- Pain, pain-related interference, anxiety, and depression were assessed pre- and post-treatment.
Main Results:
- The intervention demonstrated high acceptability, with over 90% of patients completing treatment.
- No adverse effects were reported during the study.
- Significant improvements were observed in children's pain ratings and functional interference, as reported by both children and parents.
- Children's anticipatory anxiety significantly decreased throughout the treatment period.
Conclusions:
- A combined acupuncture and hypnosis intervention is feasible and acceptable for managing chronic pain in children.
- This CAM approach shows promise for reducing pain and improving outcomes in pediatric patients.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of this integrated treatment strategy.
Abstract:
The purpose of the present study was to conduct a Phase I investigation examining the feasibility and acceptability of a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) package combining acupuncture and hypnosis for chronic pediatric pain. Thirty-three sequentially referred children (21 girls) aged 6-18 years were offered 6 weekly sessions consisting of individually tailored acupuncture treatment together with a 20-minute hypnosis session (conducted while the needles were in place). Parent and child ratings of pain and pain-related interferences in functioning, as well as child ratings of anxiety and depression, were obtained at pre- and post-treatment. The treatment was highly acceptable (only 2 patients refused; > or = 90% completed treatment) and there were no adverse effects. Both parents and children reported significant improvements in children's pain and interference following treatment. Children's anticipatory anxiety declined significantly across treatment sessions. Our results support the feasibility and acceptability of a combined acupuncture/hypnosis intervention for chronic pediatric pain.