Laboratory-based Hypnosis Intervention on Pain Responsivity in Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease

Laboratory-based Hypnosis Intervention on Pain Responsivity in Adolescents With Sickle Cell Disease

The purpose of this study is to test the effects of a laboratory-based hypnosis session compared to an attention control condition on peripheral blood flow, autonomic stress responses, and acute pain responses in adolescents (ages 12-21) with sickle cell disease, and examine how perceived disease-related stigma may affect these responses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• A diagnosis of sickle cell disease
• Age 12-21 years old
• Fluent in English (the intervention will be delivered in English)
• Participant is cognitively able to provide informed signed consent or assent
• Participant is cognitively able to follow instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 12 years of age or over 21 years of age
• Not fluent in English
• Pain medication prescription has changed or if they have been hospitalized for a vaso-occlusive episode within 30 days of study participation.
• Diagnosis of a condition (e.g., neurological disorder affecting peripheral sensation, skin abnormality over the stimulus site, obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes, ischemic heart disease) or cognitive impairment that may affect data integrity or the ability to complete study procedures.