Table 2.

Details on therapeutic techniques and co-therapies of the studies analysed

Author (Reference)	Types and duration of treatment in hypnosis/guided imagery group	Types and duration of treatment in controls	Comedication allowed Other cotherapies Side effects reported
Alvarez [23]	Ericksonian hypnosis, individual: Induction NR; 5 techniques could be used for utilisation: transformation of pain or emotion; metaphors; dissociation of pain; perceptions of other body sensations; pleasant imagery; posthypnotic suggestions of negative hallucinations and amnesia of pain 60 min, 6- 8 sessions over 6 months Total: 420 min	Cognitive intervention: Sham hypnosis, individual: General issues talking with the therapist; physical sign check list to verify that the patients were not in hypnotic trance * 60 min, 6- 8 sessions over 6 months Total: 420 min	NSAIDs, amitriptyline, physiotherapy kept stable during study * NR 4/20 with hypnosis drop out lack of efficacy 7/20 with sham hypnosis drop out lack of efficacy
Castel [24]	CBT plus standardised hypnosis; group: Induction by fixation and palpepral catalepsy; deepening by visualisation; suggestion of an analgesic stream eliminating pain and creating feelings of well-being; posthypnotic suggestions NR 90 min (of which 20 min hypnosis) for 12 weeks; daily home training with audiocasettes recommended Total: 1080 min	Active control: CBT; group. Information in FMS, cognitive restructuring, assertiveness training, behavioral goal setting, problems solving; 90 min (of which 20 min relaxation training) for 12 weeks Total: 1080 min Study arm treatment as usual not used for comparison	Analgesics, antidepressants, sedatives, myorelaxants NR NR
Grøndahl [25]	Standardised hypnosis, individual: Relaxation, visualisation of positive body experience; suggestion of increase of self-efficacy, posthypnotic suggestions NR 10 wks, 1/week, 30 min Total: 300 min	Treatment as usual: Medication and physiotherapy or chiropractic therapy Total Min NR	Medication and physiotherapy or chiropractic therapy NR NR
Haanen [26]	Standardised hypnosis, individual and daily audiocassette: Induction by arm levitation; suggestions of ego-strengthening, pain control and improvement sleep; posthypnotic suggestions NR 8 × 60 min over 3 months; daily home training Total: 360 min (without home training)	Active control Physical therapy: Massage and muscle relaxation 1-2 h/week over 12 weeks Total: 720-1440 min	Only paracetamol allowed NR NR
Menziers [27]	Standardised guided imagery, indvidual, at home: 3 standardised audio cassettes: Relaxation, signal breath to elicit relaxation; imagination of pleasant scene; suggestions of feeling of well-being and actions and behaviors free of FMS-symptoms 30 min daily for 6 weeks recommended Total: Median of 44 (range 37-136) exercises	Treatment as usual Total Min NR	Treatment as usual NR NR
Rucco [28]	Ericksonian hypnosis, individual: Metaphors for induction, Utilisation: identification and solution of intrapsychic conflicts; posthypnotic suggestions NR Frequency of sessions individualised over 6 months	Active control: Autogenic training in group Practice: 8 weeks, twice a week, 15 min; Recommendation of daily practice over 6 months Total: 240 min	No comedication allowed NR NR

* Details provided on request; NR = Not reported and not provided on request