Hypnoanalgesia for chronic pain: the response to multiple inductions at one session and to separate single inductions

Serial hypnotic inductions conveying the same analgesic message produce a progressively longer response in an increasing number of patients. The resulting analgesia appears to be independent of the spacing of inductions--whether given at a single session or on separate occasions--and to depend upon their number. However, multiple inductions at a single session save time. Elimination of pain can be achieved, by either approach, for a year or more in up to 70% of patients.