A Phase I Study on the Feasibility and Acceptability of an Acupuncture/Hypnosis Intervention for Chronic Pediatric Pain

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; ≥ 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.