Is Hypnosis Merely a Placebo Response?

by Tim Brunson PhD

The placebo effect and suggestion are indeed similar. They provide positive expectations. And, when coupled with the reverent authority of the operator or administrator of the drug, both present great value. However, since the standards (used by the FDA) attribute only a 0.3 correlation to the placebo effect, this does not explain why the use of hypnosis can produce much greater results. For instance, in forensic hypnosis approximately 80% of the cases were either solved leading to conviction or valuable information was obtained (according to Dr. Diamond, the head psychologist for the LAPD). Also, my experience with IBS and Fibromyalgia is that about 90% of the refractory, long-term cases benefit with major symptom relief through the use of hypnosis protocols. This is backed up by several research studies conducted by medical hospitals and documented on PUBMED.

So, if suggestion is generally responsible for 30% of the benefit of hypnosis, then from where do the rest of the results come? I know that teaching patients stress relief and other mind-body techniques (such as NLP, EFT, etc.) are part of the equation. Also, the content of the suggestions and metaphors are an issue. Lastly, the power of the mind to affect physiology (probably through the limbic system or H-P-A axis) is a new concept that I find is powerful. Fortunately, this is an area that is getting more and more coverage in trade publications, professional publications, and in research institutions. Therefore, once you get beyond the 30%, placebo effect level, there is a whole psychodynamic/mind-body/integrative universe left for psychologists to explore. Unfortunately, rivalries (and egos) between psychologists, medical doctors, and hypnotherapists work against us, not for us. There is a need for all researchers and healers to understand the strengths of each profession and respect how collaboration is the key to progress.

The International Hypnosis Research Institute is a member supported project involving integrative health care specialists from around the world. We provide information and educational resources to clinicians. Dr. Brunson is the author of over 150 self-help and clinical CD's and MP3's.