Hypnotherapy: A Fact-Based Exploration of Its Effectiveness in Anxiety Treatment
The prevalence of anxiety disorders, which impact a significant portion of the population worldwide, has prompted a continuous search for effective treatments. Among various therapeutic approaches, hypnotherapy has emerged as a noteworthy option. Grounded in empirical evidence, recent meta-analytical research offers a comprehensive evaluation of hypnotherapy's efficacy in treating anxiety, providing valuable insights for individuals considering this therapeutic path.
Anxiety disorders, characterized by pervasive and persistent feelings of fear and worry, can significantly impair daily functioning. While Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Mindfulness-Based Therapies have long been established in the mental health field, hypnotherapy's position has been less defined until recent studies shed light on its potential.
Empirical Evidence on Hypnotherapy’s Efficacy
A meta-analysis focusing on hypnotherapy's effectiveness in anxiety treatment has reported a mean weighted effect size of 0.70, indicating a medium to large impact. This suggests that individuals receiving hypnotherapy for anxiety benefit more significantly than approximately 70% of participants in control conditions, who do not receive this treatment. This finding underscores hypnotherapy’s substantial role in alleviating anxiety symptoms, positioning it as a competitive alternative to more traditional therapies.
Comparative Analysis with Established Therapies
In direct comparison to established therapies:
- CBT: Known for its strong evidence base in treating anxiety, CBT's effectiveness is comparable to that of hypnotherapy, with some studies suggesting similar or slightly varying effect sizes. This parity highlights hypnotherapy's potential as a viable alternative for individuals seeking different treatment modalities.
- PMR and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: Hypnotherapy demonstrates comparable or superior effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms. This evidence suggests that for some individuals, hypnotherapy could offer more pronounced benefits than these traditional approaches.
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies: With lower effect sizes reported for mindfulness interventions in treating anxiety, hypnotherapy appears to have a stronger impact. This comparison might guide individuals whose needs are not fully met by mindfulness practices towards considering hypnotherapy.
The Enhanced Impact of Combined Therapeutic Approaches
Notably, the integration of hypnotherapy with other treatments, such as CBT, shows even greater efficacy, with effect sizes increasing to 1.25. This enhanced impact suggests that a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating hypnotherapy, could offer a more comprehensive treatment strategy, addressing various dimensions of anxiety more effectively.
Clinical and Personal Implications
For individuals exploring treatment options for anxiety, the empirical data supporting hypnotherapy provides a factual basis for considering this therapeutic avenue. The evidence suggests that hypnotherapy is not only effective on its own but can also complement other treatments to enhance overall outcomes. This multidimensional approach to anxiety treatment aligns with the growing recognition of the need for personalized therapy strategies, acknowledging the unique experiences and preferences of each individual.
In conclusion, the factual evidence presented by recent meta-analyses highlights hypnotherapy's significant and competitive effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. As the mental health community continues to advocate for diverse and personalized treatment modalities, hypnotherapy's role becomes increasingly central, offering hope and substantial relief for those affected by anxiety.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.). Washington, DC: Author.
- Alladin, A. (2006a). Hypnosis in the treatment of depression: An overdue approach for encouraging skillful mood management. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 54(2), 7-20.
- Alladin, A., & Alibhai, A. (2007). Cognitive hypnotherapy for depression: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 55(2), 147-166.
- Alladin, A., & Heap, M. (1991). Hypnotherapy: A Handbook. Manchester, UK: Manchester University Press.
- Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: Guilford Press.
- Beck, J. S. (1995). Cognitive Therapy: Basics and Beyond. New York: Guilford Press.
- Belzer, K. D., & Schneier, F. R. (2004). Comorbidity of anxiety and depressive disorders: Issues in conceptualization, assessment, and treatment. Journal of Psychiatric Practice, 10(5), 296-306.
- Biddle, S., Fox, K., & Boutcher, S. H. (2000). Physical activity and psychological well-being. London, UK: Routledge.
- Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M. L., Guthrie, R. M., & Nixon, R. D. V. (2005). The additive benefit of hypnosis and cognitive-behavioural therapy in treating acute stress disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(2), 334-340.
- Burrows, G. D., & Boughton, R. (2001). Hypnotherapy for depression: An overview. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 49(1), 7-19.
- Chapman, R. A. (2006). The clinical use of hypnotherapy in cognitive-behavioural therapy: A practitioner's perspective. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 20(2), 117-137.
- Clayton, A. H., McGarvey, E. L., Clavet, G. J., Piazza, L., & Allan, T. (1991). Comparison of fluoxetine, bupropion, and placebo in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 52(7), 293-297.
- DePiano, F. A., & Salzberg, H. C. (1981). Clinical applications of hypnosis with depressives. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 37(1), 336-343.
- Dobbin, A., Maxwell, M., & Elton, R. (2009). A benchmarked feasibility study of a self-hypnosis treatment for depression in primary care. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 57(3), 293-318.
- Dozois, D. J. A., & Westra, H. A. (2004). The nature of anxiety and depression: Implications for cognitive-behavioural interventions. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 18(3), 199-209.
- Edgette, J. H., & Edgette, R. (1995). The Handbook of Hypnotic Phenomena in Psychotherapy. New York: Wiley.
- Gillham, J. E., Shatte, A. J., & Freres, D. R. (2000). Preventing depression: A review of cognitive-behavioral and family interventions. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 9(2), 63-88.
- Gantz, J. (2009). Integrative therapy for borderline personality disorder: Cognitive hypnotherapy. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 51(4), 263-271.
- Gibbons, D. E. (1979). Hypnotherapy in psychiatry. Psychiatry, 42(2), 312-323.
- Golden, W. L., Dowd, E. T., & Friedberg, F. (1987). Hypnotherapy: A Modern Approach. New York: Pergamon Press.
- Hammond, D. C. (1990). Handbook of Hypnotic Suggestions and Metaphors. New York: Norton
.
- Hartland, J. (1971). Medical and
Dental Hypnosis and its Clinical Applications. London, UK: Baillière Tindall.
- Hollon, S. D., & Shelton, R. C. (2001). Treatment guidelines for major depressive disorder. Behavior Therapy, 32(2), 235-258.
- Kessler, R. C. (2002). The epidemiology of depression. In I. H. Gotlib & C. L. Hammen (Eds.), Handbook of Depression (pp. 23-42). New York: Guilford Press.
- Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G., & Sapirstein, G. (1995). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(2), 214-220.
- Leahy, R. L. (2003). Cognitive Therapy Techniques: A Practitioner's Guide. New York: Guilford Press.
- Lecrubier, Y. (1998). The impact of comorbidity on the treatment of panic disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 59(Suppl 8), 11-14.
- Lewinsohn, P. M., & Gotlib, I. H. (1995). Behavioral theory and treatment of depression. In E. E. Beckham & W. R. Leber (Eds.), Handbook of Depression: Treatment, Assessment, and Research (pp. 352-375). Homewood, IL: Dorsey Press.
- Lynn, S. J., & Kirsch, I. (2006). Essentials of Clinical Hypnosis: An Evidence-based Approach. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
- Lynn, S. J., Matthews, A., Fraioli, S., Rhue, J. W., & Mellinger, D. I. (2006). Hypnosis and the treatment of dysphoria: The ็hidden jewel of contemporary hypnotherapy. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 54(1), 31-40.
- Monroe, S. M., & Harkness, K. L. (2005). Life stress, the "kindling" hypothesis, and the recurrence of depression: Considerations from a life stress perspective. Psychological Review, 112(2), 417-445.
- Mutrie, N., & Faulkner, G. (2004). Physical activity: Positive psychology in motion. In P. A. Linley & S. Joseph (Eds.), Positive Psychology in Practice (pp. 146-164). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
- National Health Service. (2009). Physical activity guidelines for adults. Retrieved from [NHS website]
- Neisser, U. (1967). Cognitive Psychology. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.
- Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2004). The response styles theory. In C. Papageorgiou & A. Wells (Eds.), Depressive Rumination: Nature, Theory and Treatment (pp. 107-123). Chichester, UK: Wiley.
- Nutt, D. J. (2000). Overview of diagnosis and drug treatments of anxiety disorders. CNS Spectrums, 5(1), 49-58.
- Papageorgiou, C., & Wells, A. (2004). Depressive rumination: Nature, theory, and treatment. Chichester, UK: Wiley.
- Patterson, K. (2002). The role of physical exercise in the treatment of depression. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(3), 343-361.
- Post, R. M. (1992). Transduction of psychosocial stress into the neurobiology of recurrent affective disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 149(8), 999-1010.
- Roy-Byrne, P. P., Stang, P., Wittchen, H.-U., Ustun, B., Walters, E. E., & Kessler, R. C. (2000). Lifetime panic-depression comorbidity in the National Comorbidity Survey. Association with symptoms, impairment, course and help-seeking. British Journal of Psychiatry, 176(3), 229-235.
- Schoenberger, N. E. (2000). Research on hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 48(2), 154-169.
- Schoenberger, N. E., Kirsch, I., Gearan, P., Montgomery, G., & Pastyrnak, S. L. (1997). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy for obesity: A meta-analytic reappraisal. *Journal of Consulting
and Clinical Psychology*, 65(3), 513-516.
- Schwartz, J. M. (1984). Brain lock: Free yourself from obsessive-compulsive behaviour. New York: Regan Books.
- Schwartz, J. M., Fair, P. L., Salt, P., Mandel, M. R., & Klerman, G. L. (1976). Depression and anxiety: A biological approach. In M. M. Katz, J. O. Cole, & W. E. Barton (Eds.), The role and methodology of classification in psychiatry and psychopathology (pp. 391-415). Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.
- Solomon, D. A., Keller, M. B., Leon, A. C., Mueller, T. I., Lavori, P. W., Shea, M. T., Coryell, W., Warshaw, M., Turvey, C., Maser, J. D., & Endicott, J. (2000). Multiple recurrences of major depressive disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 157(2), 229-233.
- Stanton, H. E. (1990). A method of self-hypnosis for use in childbirth. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 19(2), 124-130.
- Torem, M. S. (2006). Hypnotic techniques for chronic pain management: Four case reports. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 48(2-3), 138-145.
- Tosi, D. J., & Baisden, A. (1984). An investigation of the effectiveness of hypnosis in reducing anxiety and enhancing self-esteem in women with varied obstetrical and surgical histories. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 27(1), 28-33.
- Watkins, J. G. (1990). The affect bridge: A hypnoanalytic technique. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 38(1), 21-27.
- Yapko, M. D. (1988). Hypnosis and the treatment of depressions: Strategies for change. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
- Yapko, M. D. (1992). Hypnosis and the treatment of depressions. In E. Fromm & M. R. Nash (Eds.), Contemporary Hypnosis Research (pp. 261-276). New York: Guilford Press.
- Yapko, M. D. (1997). Breaking the patterns of depression. New York: Doubleday.
- Yapko, M. D. (2001). Treating depression with hypnosis: Integrating cognitive-behavioral and strategic approaches. Philadelphia, PA: Brunner-Routledge.
- Yapko, M. D. (2003). Trancework: An introduction to the practice of clinical hypnosis (3rd ed.). New York: Brunner-Routledge.
- Yapko, M. D. (2006). Hypnosis in treating symptoms and risk factors of major depression. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 49(1), 37-56.
- Youngren, M. A., & Lewinsohn, P. M. (1980). The functional relation between depression and problematic interpersonal behaviour. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 89(3), 333-341.
- Zarren, J. I., & Eimer, B. N. (2001). Brief cognitive hypnosis: Facilitating the change of dysfunctional behaviour. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Comments