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Reduction in skin reactions to histamine after a hypnotic procedure
T M Laidlaw1, R J Booth, R G Large
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Psychosomatic Medicine
|May 1, 1996
Summary
A cognitive-hypnotic intervention significantly reduced histamine skin reactivity in most subjects. Mood and physiological factors, like blood pressure, influenced skin weal size changes more than hypnotizability.
Area of Science:
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Skin reactivity to histamine can be influenced by psychological and physiological factors.
- Understanding these influences may offer novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a cognitive-hypnotic intervention in reducing histamine-induced skin reactivity.
- To explore the roles of hypnotizability, physiological variables, attitudes, and mood in modulating this reactivity.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-eight subjects participated in three laboratory sessions: pretest, control, and intervention.
- The intervention involved a cognitive-hypnotic procedure utilizing imagination and visualization.
- Skin weal size was measured to assess histamine reactivity.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in skin weal size was observed during the cognitive-hypnotic intervention compared to the control session (p < .0001).
- Mood states (e.g., irritability, tension, peacefulness) and physiological variables (e.g., blood pressure) significantly predicted changes in skin reactivity.
- Hypnotizability scores did not significantly predict changes in weal size.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive-hypnotic techniques show promise for reducing skin sensitivity to histamine.
- Psychological and physiological factors play a crucial role in modulating skin reactivity, suggesting potential clinical applications.