Researchers at Stanford University have advanced a genetic screening method to spot individuals who endure intense pain after surgery and might respond well to hypnosis. The findings appear in the Journal of Molecular Diagnosis.
Hypnosis can ease pain for many patients, yet predicting who will benefit remains a challenge. Earlier studies showed that a person’s hypnosis susceptibility is a stable trait with a genetic component. This trait has been linked to variations in the gene that governs the production of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase, known to influence dopamine processing in the brain.
In a study involving knee replacement patients, scientists explored the link between these gene variations and hypnotic susceptibility. An impressive 89.5% of those carrying the mutations showed responsiveness to hypnosis. Interestingly, the connection was stronger among women, likely due to interactions between catechol-O-methyltransferase activity and estrogen levels.
Additionally, the researchers have created a fast, affordable method to detect these genetic variations. The test can be used at the point of care with samples obtained from saliva or blood, enabling rapid decision-making in clinical settings.
The work underscores the potential of combining genetic insight with nonpharmacologic pain strategies to tailor postoperative care. While more studies are needed to confirm applicability across different surgeries and populations, the approach offers a promising path toward personalized pain management that could reduce reliance on medications and improve patient comfort after procedures.
As research progresses, clinicians may one day integrate this genetic information into standard preoperative assessments, guiding choices about whether to include hypnosis or other nonpharmacologic techniques as part of a personalized pain plan. The implications extend to broader efforts in precision medicine, where treatments are aligned with individual biological profiles to improve outcomes and patient experiences.