P05.49. Development of a model for the conduct of randomized clinical trials of hypnotic intervention

Purpose Research on the efficacy of hypnosis has been limited due to the lack of a sham hypnosis (placebo) for comparison to use as a control in randomized clinical trials. Researchers have used a variety of controls ranging from wait-lists to structured attention, resulting in a lack of blinding of participants and inconsistency. A sham hypnosis methodology would provide a means to compare study results and make aggregate statements regarding hypnosis’ efficacy beyond placebo effects. The purpose of this study involved two primary aims: 1) to evaluate whether white noise can be considered an “inert” procedure; and 2) to evaluate the feasibility of a model of sham hypnosis that uses white noise as a potential form of “hypnosis” when presented within the hypnotic context.