The additive benefit of hypnosis and cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating acute stress disorder.

Abstract

This research represents the first controlled treatment study of hypnosis and cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT) of acute stress disorder (ASD). Civilian trauma survivors (N=87) who met criteria for ASD were randomly allocated to 6 sessions of CBT, CBT combined with hypnosis (CBT-hypnosis), or supportive counseling (SC). CBT comprised exposure, cognitive restructuring, and anxiety management. CBT-hypnosis comprised the CBT components with each imaginal exposure preceded by a hypnotic induction and suggestions to engage fully in the exposure. In terms of treatment completers (n=69), fewer participants in the CBT and CBT-hypnosis groups met criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up than those in the SC group. CBT-hypnosis resulted in greater reduction in reexperiencing symptoms at posttreatment than CBT. These findings suggest that hypnosis may have use in facilitating the treatment effects of CBT for posttraumatic stress.

• Authors: Richard A Bryant, Michelle L Moulds, Rachel M Guthrie, Reginald D V Nixon
• Journal: Journal of consulting and clinical psychology (J Consult Clin Psychol) Vol. 73 Issue 2 Pg. 334-340 (Apr 2005) ISSN: 0022-006X [Print] United States
• PMID: 15796641 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright (c) 2005 APA, all rights reserved

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypnosis
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute (therapy)