What are the prospects for depression?
Some recent studies have shown a positive effect of hypnotherapy in the treatment of depression. However, it is important that this is combined with behavioral therapy. The positive results of these studies have even already led to a partial assumption of the treatment costs by the statutory health insurance companies. There are numerous different methods of hypnosis that can be used in the treatment of depression. These include suggestive hypnotherapy, positive visualization or hypnoanalysis, which is cause-oriented.
How does a hypnosis therapy work?
In principle, a conversation should take place before every hypnosis therapy. In this conversation the main focus is on the existing problems of the patient and the building of trust between patient and therapist. At the beginning of the actual hypnotherapy the “trance state” of the patient is aimed at first.
There are different methods which lead to the desired state of consciousness within a few seconds (quick induction) or by a slow leading. Afterwards, the depth of trance is controlled. There are also numerous methods for this, such as inducing rigidity of the arm (catalepsy).
After this introduction, the actual hypnotherapy follows, which can vary greatly depending on the technique used. They range from suggestive methods to hypnoanalytics, which focus on finding the underlying cause of the patient’s problem. At the end of each hypnotherapy, the so-called “extraction” from the trance state is carried out by means of specific suggestive methods.
What are the risks of hypnotherapy?
The extent to which the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes has side effects or even risks is currently the subject of controversial debate. It is known that as a result of hypnotherapy confusion, heavy dreams, nausea or sexual problems can occur. However, the frequency of these side effects or risks is comparable to those of other relaxation exercises or various forms of psychotherapy.
The proportion of patients with mild side effects of the treatment is about 15%, whereas the proportion with more severe impairments is only 2%. In addition, depending on the form of hypnotherapy used, there is a risk of re-traumatization, as previous experiences, such as maltreatment, can be regained. Therefore, before using hypnosis, a thorough anamnesis interview should be conducted to discuss such risks. It is also known that the rate of side effects and risks is significantly higher with show hypnosis.
