Hypnosis is a special psychological state with certain physiological characteristics similar to sleep during which focus and concentration are heightened. Usually performed by trained therapists, hypnosis is used to influence behaviors such as anxiety.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis or hypnotherapy is not usually performed with a pendulum, although most people initially assume it is. Typical procedures are usually hypnotic trance and classical psychotherapy. Hypnosis can be described as a cooperative interaction in which a patient responds to the suggestions of the hypnotizing therapist. In this process, the hypnotist assumes a role as coach or guide to lead the person being hypnotized into the special state of consciousness. Hypnosis, while often described as a sleep-like trance state, is in fact a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and vivid imagination. Different theories exist to explain the effectiveness of hypnosis. Biological explanations assume that the created state of tension activates the parasympathetic nervous system, instinctively splits off bodily perceptions, links mental and physical events, or creates a subliminal perception. Theories that use social behavior as an explanatory model describe hypnosis as fulfilling a role expectation, taking on a particular role, or reactivating childhood patterns of experience and behavior. About fifteen percent of people are highly receptive to hypnosis, with children generally being more receptive. About ten percent of adults are considered difficult or impossible to hypnotize. Hypnotic suggestions can be made by a hypnotist or as autosuggestion.
Function, effect and goals
Physicians and psychiatrists may use hypnosis to treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, sleep disorders, gambling addiction, or post-traumatic stress disorder, while certified hypnotherapists who are not medically trained often work with patients with smoking and weight problems. The goal of hypnotic trance is to inject suggestions and images that enable patients to fundamentally change their behavior. Because sources of distraction are blocked out, individuals under hypnosis are able to focus intensely on a particular thought or memory with heightened attention and concentration. Hypnosis is now used in numerous medical subspecialties, for example:
- Treatment of fears and phobias
- Addiction
- Pain management
- Psychological therapy
- Relaxation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Preparation for surgery
- Weight loss
- Reduction of symptoms of dementia or ADHD
- Reduction of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Hypnosis takes a very essential role in pain management. This includes the reduction of pain during childbirth, in dealing with cancer and other chronic diseases. Treatment of skin diseases with hypnosis (hypnodermatology) has proven successful in the treatment of warts, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Hypnosis is also used in the treatment of fibromyalgia, orthodontic problems, dental treatments and headaches, and is able to alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes during menopause. Hypnosis has also been used with some success to affect sleep disorders, bedwetting, phobias, and smoking. A study examining the success rate of hypnosis as a method of smoking cessation demonstrated a 20 to 30 percent success rate. In the treatment of obesity, hypnosis is combined with cognitive behavioral therapy by suggesting a smaller stomach and reinforcing positive eating habits. Mental health providers use hypnosis to influence symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, negative behaviors, or uncontrollable behaviors and to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Risks and dangers
Hypnosis performed by a trained therapist or physician can be classified as a safe, complementary and alternative medical treatment. However, careful selection of an appropriate therapist is recommended.An initial consultation should establish a relationship of trust, explain the process of hypnosis and inform about possible risks. Adverse reactions to hypnosis are rare, but may leave patients with anxiety, headaches, drowsiness, or dizziness. While amnesia may occur in very rare cases, treated patients generally remember all procedures under hypnosis. However, this can have a significant effect on memory, causing temporary forgetting of certain things that occurred before or during hypnosis. It is not possible to be hypnotized against one’s will, as hypnosis requires voluntary participation on the part of the patient.
