[Hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions: applications in medical disorders]

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in the use of hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions in the treatment of complaints such as pain and anxiety during medical procedures, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches. Traditionally, hypnosis has been used in patients with psychiatric problems like posttraumatic stress, conversion, and dissociative disorders. Misconceptions about the nature of hypnosis, caused by the association with stage or show hypnosis, seems to prevent a wider integration in medicine. In this article, we try to shed more light on the nature of hypnosis and the evidence for its use in several medical disorders. Moreover, we discuss the use of hypnotic suggestions as a way to increase placebo effects.