The psychodynamic treatment of combat neuroses (PTSD) with hypnosis during World War II.

Abstract

In a large Army hospital during World War II, a full-time program in hypnotherapy for battle trauma cases was developed. Symptoms included severe anxiety, phobias, conversions, hysterias, and dissociations. Many hypnoanalytic techniques were used, especially including abreactions. Good therapeutic results were frequent, as demonstrated by typical cases. There was no evidence that the abreactive procedure tended to retraumatize patients or initiate psychotic reactions.

• Authors: J G Watkins
• Journal: The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis (Int J Clin Exp Hypn) Vol. 48 Issue 3 Pg. 324-35; discussion 336-41 (Jul 2000) ISSN: 0020-7144 [Print] England
• PMID: 10902297 (Publication Type: Historical Article, Journal Article)

Topics

• Combat Disorders (therapy)
• History, 20th Century
• Humans
• Hypnosis
• Male
• Psychoanalysis
• United States
• Veterans
• Warfare