Many treatments have been determined effective in treating PTSD. However, what about hypnosis in treating PTSD? Is hypnosis an effective treatment for people struggling with PTSD?
This is not an easy question to answer, as the jury is still out on this one. A number of mental health professionals attest to the success of using hypnosis in treating the consequences of traumatic exposure, including PTSD.
It has been suggested that hypnosis may help prevent or reduce dissociation following exposure to a traumatic event (which has been found to be a major risk factor for the development of PTSD), reduce symptoms of anxiety, and help people get in touch with memories and feelings associated with their traumatic experience.
However, few studies have been done that actually examine whether or not hypnosis may be more effective than cognitive behavior therapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy in treating PTSD.
One study found that hypnotherapy, on its own, was at least as successful as some other treatments for PTSD, including psychodynamic psychotherapy. Another study found that hypnosis added to standard cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD may be just as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy in improving PTSD symptoms up to 2 years following treatment. So, there is some evidence that hypnotherapy may be helpful for people with PTSD or other symptoms resulting from a traumatic experience.
It is important to know that hypnotherapy may not work for everyone. Some people are more suggestible than others. In addition, as with any treatment for PTSD, it is important get as much information as you can to make sure it is the right treatment for you. A number of treatments are available for someone with PTSD. You can find more information about treatment providers in your area who might offer some of these treatments through UCompare HealthCare from About.com, as well as the Anxiety Disorder Association of America.
Sources:
Brom, D., Kleber, R.J., & Defares, P.B. (1989). Brief psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorders. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 57, 607-612. Bryant, R.A., Moulds, M.L., Nixon, R.D.V., Mastrodomenico, J., Felmingham, K., & Hopwood, S. (2006). Hypnotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy of acute stress disorder: A 3-year follow-up. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44, 1331-1335. Foa, E.B., & Meadows, E.A. (1997). Psychosocial treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: A critical review. Annual Review of Psychology, 48, 449-480. Spiegel, D. (1988). Dissociation and hypnosis in posttraumatic stress disorders. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 1, 17-33. Spiegel, D. (1989). Hypnosis in the treatment of victims of sexual abuse. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 12, 295-305.
