International Hypnosis Research Institute - Mental Disorders

Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy for Healing Past Injuries, Pain and Mind-body Conditions. No. 1.

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:50:00 -0500

by Brian Green, CCHT There is a question on my intake form, "Do you have any residual pain from work, automobile, or surgery related injuries." This can lead me to aspects of pain and healing I have encountered, but not seen mentioned in the general hypnosis literature. That blocked unfelt emotions, created at the time of a physical trauma, may remain locked in, preventing full physiological healing. And unexpressed feelings of physical hurt may produce a similar result. Some medical research studies show that persons who do not take pain medications heal faster. It figures. For those clients who can use hypnotic processes well, a simple resolution can be obtained with regressive and other techniques. [More]

Preferences for hypnotic imagery for hot-flash reduction: a brief communication.

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:27:00 -0500

The purpose of this brief report is to identify imagery preferences of women receiving hypnotherapy to alleviate hot flashes. As part of a larger study, 51 breast cancer survivors were asked to identify their own personal preferences for imagery for reducing hot flashes. Most of the participants identified personal imagery associated with coolness; none of the participants selected imagery for warmth or heat. The most widely used was imagery involving water associated with coolness (27.0%). It is recommended that clinicians using hypnosis for reduction of hot flashes attend to patients' preferences as specific imagery may moderate the effectiveness of hypnosis for hot flashes. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Jul;58(3):345-9. Elkins G, Marcus J, Bunn J, Perfect M, Palamara L, Stearns V, Dove J. Mind-Body Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, USA. Gary_Elkins@baylor.edu

The management of blood phobia and a hypersensitive gag reflex by hypnotherapy: a case report

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:24:00 -0500

Coping with a hypersensitive gag reflex can be a cause for concern for both the patient and the operator. This report describes a case of blood phobia directed solely towards the oral cavity, linked with the inability to tolerate dentures due to a hypersensitive gag reflex. Management by hypnotherapy using a systematic desensitization technique allowed for extraction of teeth and permanent elimination of the gagging problem. Dent Update. 2002 Mar;29(2):70-4. Noble S. South Birmingham Community Hea lth NHS Trust.

A meta-analysis of hypnosis in the treatment of depressive symptoms: a brief communication

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:27:00 -0500

The efficacy of hypnosis in the treatment of depressive symptoms was subjected to a meta-analysis. Studies were identified using Google Scholar and 6 electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, PsiTri, PsychLit, Embase, and the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group (CCDAN). The keywords used were (a) hypnosis, (b) hypnotherapy, (c) mood disorder, (d) depression, and (e) dysthymia. Six studies qualified and were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package. The combined effect size of hypnosis for depressive symptoms was 0.57. Hypnosis appeared to significantly improve symptoms of depression (p < .001). Hypnosis appears to be a viable nonpharmacologic intervention for depression. Suggestions for future research are discussed. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2009 Oct;57(4):431-42. Shih M, Yang YH, Koo M. Nanhua University, Chiayi, Taiwan.

Reframe Panic and Stress

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:57:00 -0500

by Katherine Zimmerman, PhD, CHT In my private practice I have found several starting points with clients that are very effective. One of my standard approaches with a new client is to reframe their issue. It might be stress, panic, negative emotions or even physical pain. A reframe is simply looking at the problem from a different perspective. It's natural to reframe experiences for our friends and family. For example, here's one that I found recently: "Laziness is nothing more than the habit of resting before you get tired." [More]

Exercise therapy for schizophrenia

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 11:20:00 -0500

BACKGROUND: The health benefits of physical activity and exercise are well documented and these effects could help people with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES: To determine the mental health effects of exercise/physical activity programmes for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (December 2008) which is based on regular searches of CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. We also inspected references within relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials comparing any intervention where physical activity or exercise was considered to be the main or active ingredient with standard care or other treatments for people with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We independently inspected citations and abstracts, ordered papers, quality assessed and data extracted. For binary outcomes we calculated a fixed-effect risk ratio (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Where possible, the weighted number needed to treat/harm statistic (NNT/H) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), was also calculated. For continuous outcomes, endpoint data were preferred to change data. We synthesised non-skewed data from valid scales using a weighted mean difference (WMD). MAIN RESULTS: Three randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Trials assessed the effects of exercise on physical and mental health. Overall numbers leaving the trials were similar. Two trials (Beebe 2005 and Marzaloni 2008) compared exercise to standard care and both found exercise to significantly improve negative symptoms of mental state (Mental Health Inventory Depression: 1RCT, n=10, MD 17.50 CI 6.70 to 28.30, PANNS negative: 1RCT, n=10, MD -8.50 CI -11.11 to -5.89). No absolute effects were found for positive symptoms of mental state. Physical health improved significantly in the exercise group compared to those in standard care (1RCT, n=13, MD 79.50 CI 33.82 to 125.18), but no effect on peoples' weight/BMI was apparent. Duraiswamy 2007 compared exercise with yoga and found that yoga had a better outcome for mental state (PANNS total: 1RCT, n=41, MD 14.95 CI 2.60 to 27.30). The same trial also found those in the yoga group had significantly better quality of life scores (WHOQOL Physical: 1RCT, n=41, MD -9.22 CI -18.86 to 0.42). Adverse effects (AIMS total scores) were, however, similar. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Results of this Cochrane review are similar to existing reviews that have examined the health benefits of exercise in this population (Faulkner 2005). Although studies included in this review are small and used various measures of physical and mental health, results indicated that regular exercise programmes are possible in this population, and that they can have healthful effects on both the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals with schizophrenia. Larger randomised studies are required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 May 12;5:CD004412. Gorczynski P, Faulkner G. Faculty of Physical Education and Health, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, Canada, On M5S 2W6

Hypnosis and anxiety problems

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:58:00 -0500

This article describes how hypnosis can be used as an efficient technique in treating patients with anxious disorders. Hypnosis can be used to achieve a better control of the anxious symptoms through relaxation. It allows the patient to anticipate the anxiety triggering events. This technique also allows the patient to mentalise and integrate traumatic events, therefore helping him to prevent the post-traumatic anxious symptoms. Rev Med Suisse. 2010 Feb 17;6(236):330-3. Smaga D, Cheseaux N, Forster A, Colombo S, Rentsch D, de Tonnac N. HUG, Département de psychiatrie, Avenue Krieg 15, 1208 Genève. smaga@infomaniak.ch

Evidence-based hypnotherapy for depression

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:03:00 -0500

Cognitive hypnotherapy (CH) is a comprehensive evidence-based hypnotherapy for clinical depression. This article describes the major components of CH, which integrate hypnosis with cognitive-behavior therapy as the latter provides an effective host theory for the assimilation of empirically supported treatment techniques derived from various theoretical models of psychotherapy and psychopathology. CH meets criteria for an assimilative model of psychotherapy, which is considered to be an efficacious model of psychotherapy integration. The major components of CH for depression are described in sufficient detail to allow replication, verification, and validation of the techniques delineated. CH for depression provides a template that clinicians and investigators can utilize to study the additive effects of hypnosis in the management of other psychological or medical disorders. Evidence-based hypnotherapy and research are encouraged; such a movement is necessary if clinical hypnosis is to integrate into mainstream psychotherapy. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Apr;58(2):165-85. Alladin A. University of Calgary Medical School, Alberta, Canada. assen.alladin@albertahealthservices.ca

Hypnosis in the treatment of depression

Thu, 20 May 2010 12:59:00 -0500

Full Title: Hypnosis in the treatment of depression: considerations in research design and methods Depressive disorders constitute a serious problem in the United States and around the world. The appearance of practice guidelines and lists of evidenced-based therapies suggests that adequate treatments for depression exist. However, a careful consideration of what is known and not known about the treatment of depression leaves plenty of room for improved approaches to addressing this condition. Although there has been a dearth of research on the treatment of depression using hypnosis, there are several compelling arguments for the inclusion of hypnotic approaches in the array of current strategies for dealing with depression. However, traditional "gold-standard" research methods, namely randomized controlled trials, have many shortcomings for identifying the potential impact of hypnosis on depression. Other strategies, notably single-case design and benchmarking approaches, may offer a more practical solution to the problem of determining "what works for depression." Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Apr;58(2):147-64. McCann BS, Landes SJ. Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 98195, USA. mccann@u.washington.edu

Hypnotically catalyzing experiential learning across treatments for depression

Tue, 18 May 2010 12:56:00 -0500

Full Title: Hypnotically catalyzing experiential learning across treatments for depression: actions can speak louder than moods A number of psychotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of major depression have received empirical support in the literature, most notably cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies. Recent studies have shown the therapeutic value of the behavioral activation component of such interventions. Depressed individuals actively learning and applying new skills on their own behalf is widely considered a critical component of recovery. This article describes the use of hypnosis to catalyze experiential learning and to encourage behavioral activation in the depressed client by directly addressing and transforming cognitive and perceptual patterns that can impede such behavioral activation, especially global thinking and ruminative coping styles. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Apr;58(2):186-201. Yapko MD. michaelyapko@roadrunner.com

Hypnosis, rumination, and depression

Thu, 13 May 2010 12:54:00 -0500

Full Title: Hypnosis, rumination, and depression: catalyzing attention and mindfulness-based treatments Over the past 30 years, mental health practitioners, encouraged by rigorous empirical studies and literature and meta-analytic reviews, have increasingly appreciated the ability of hypnosis to modulate attention, imagination, and motivation in the service of therapeutic goals. This article describes how hypnosis can be used as an adjunctive procedure in the treatment of depression and rumination symptoms, in particular. The focus is on attention-based treatments that include rumination-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive control training, and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. The authors provide numerous examples of techniques and approaches that can potentially enhance treatment gains, including a hypnotic induction to facilitate mindfulness and to motivate mindfulness practice. Although hypnosis appears to be a promising catalyst of attention and mindfulness, research is required to document the incremental value of adding hypnosis to the treatments reviewed. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2010 Apr;58(2):202-21. Lynn SJ, Barnes S, Deming A, Accardi M. Psychology Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York 13905, USA. slynn@binghamton.edu

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:51:00 -0500

by Jef Gazley, MS, LMFT, DCC Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a mental and emotional condition that has its origins in a physical and/or mentally traumatic event that occurred anywhere from a few days to several years in the past. PTSD can develop by one overwhelming trauma as in 9/11 or by a series of smaller traumas or abuses occurring over several years such as living in an alcoholic home. It can be recognized from symptoms such as recurrent and persistent recollections of the traumatic event and recurring dreams of the event. [More]

Overcoming Negativity in Healing

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 08:45:00 -0500

by Tim Brunson, PhD Albert Einstein once said that you can never solve a problem while being in the same state in which you created it. While he most likely was not talking about helping therapy clients or the treatment of medical patients, he very well could have been. When people seek professional help for resolving a mental or physical condition they often seem to be mired in excessive negativity. Somehow they expect respite despite their obsession with associating fully into the condition that they are hoping to escape. Unfortunately, what they are doing is further reinforcing their problems. Breaking this pattern is the major role of the healer. Recently I saw a very interesting lady. She was morbidly obese and had breathing problems as well as a host of stress-related issues and a plethora of medical concerns. Although she was several years younger than me, she appeared to be my senior by at least a decade. She was officially drawing disability payments. On top of that she had a life-long severe smoking addiction ? which was the presenting problem that prompted the appointment. [More]

Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:12:00 -0500

Self-hypnosis training represents a rapid, cost-effective, nonaddictive and safe alternative to medication for the treatment of anxiety-related conditions. Here we provide a review of the experimental literature on the use of self-hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety and stress-related disorders, including anxiety associated with cancer, surgery, burns and medical/dental procedures. An overview of research is also provided with regard to self-hypnotic treatment of anxiety-related disorders, such as tension headaches, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. The tremendous volume of research provides compelling evidence that hypnosis is an efficacious treatment for state anxiety (e.g., prior to tests, surgery and medical procedures) and anxiety-related disorders, such as headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Although six studies demonstrate changes in trait anxiety, this review recommends that further randomized controlled outcome studies are needed on the hypnotic treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and in documenting changes in trait anxiety. Recommendations are made for selecting clinical referral sources. Expert Rev Neurother. 2010 Feb;10(2):263-73. Hammond DC. University of Utah School of Medicine, PM&R, 30 No. 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2119, USA. d.c.hammond@utah.edu

Hypnosis as a vehicle for choice and self-agency in the treatment of children with Trichotillomania

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:19:00 -0500

Three pediatric cases of Trichotillomania were treated with direct hypnotic suggestion with exclusive emphasis on sensitizing and alerting the patients to impending scalp hair pulling behaviors. These children had presented with total lack of awareness of their scalp hair pulling behaviors until they had actually twisted and pulled off clumps of hair. It was also suggested, under hypnosis, that upon learning to recognize impending scalp hair pulling behaviors, the patients would become free to choose to willfully pull their hair or to resist the impulse and not pull. At no point was the explicit suggestion given that they stop pulling their hair. A preliminary condition was agreed to by the parents that redefined the patients' hair as their own property and affirmed their sole responsibility for its care and maintenance. An element of secondary gain was identified in each of these cases. Scalp hair pulling was hypothesized to provide these particular patients with a vehicle with which to oppose their overbearing and over-involved parents. The technique of direct suggestion under hypnosis, aimed at alerting the patients to impending scalp hair pulling behaviors was combined with forming contracts with the parents to relinquish their authority over matters regarding the patients' hair. This combination provided an effective treatment that extinguished the scalp hair pulling in 7 visits or less. These cases received follow-up at intervals up to 6 months and no evidence of relapse was found. Am J Clin Hypn. 2003 Oct;46(2):129-37. Iglesias A.