Using hypnotic phenomena for physiological change

Psychoneuroimmunology: an interpretation of experimental and case study evidence towards a paradigm for predictable results

This paper surveys a number of key experiments and case studies relating to psychoneuroimmunology. It finds that most techniques to influence or even direct the immune system via the mind fall into a series of theoretical categories called passive, active and targeted effects. By examining the results of experiments and studies in the light of these categories a number of important conclusions are drawn. These conclusions explain differences in experimental results, describe those variables that appear to be central to obtaining results, and describe in detail where experimentation should be concentrated to further knowledge of psychoneuroimmunology.

Understanding change: five-year follow-up of brief hypnotic treatment of chronic bruxism

In this paper I describe the treatment of a 63-year-old woman with a 60-year history of nocturnal bruxism. Treatment included assessment, two psychotherapy sessions, including a paradoxical behavior prescription to reduce daytime worrying, hypnotic suggestions for control of nocturnal grinding, and reinforcement of the patient's expectations for success. This case demonstrates how enduring change may occur rapidly in spite of the chronicity of a patient's complaint. Follow-up assessments at 2, 3, and 5 years revealed that she continued to be symptom-free with her self-reports corroborated by her spouse and family dentist. I discuss implications for understanding the role of hypnosis in therapeutic change.

Hypnobehavioral therapy to reduce gag and emesis with a 10-year-old pill swallower

A 10-year-old child experienced severe nausea and psychogenic vomiting that resulted in refusal to take oral medication in pill form. The youngster was treated with hypnobehavioral therapy consisting of mental imagery, relaxation, direct suggestion, adaptive self-talk, self-monitoring, and self-reinforcement. The child's parents were instructed to reinforce approximations of successful pill swallowing while withdrawing attention for avoidance, whining, gagging, and vomiting. A one-year follow-up revealed successful pill swallowing without significant distress.

Hypnotically assisted preparation of the anxious patient for medical and dental treatment

Hypnotic preparation of patients for medical or dental procedures has various aspects. It is important to encourage the patient's cooperation in assessing problem areas and determining the order of dealing with those problems. The therapist can adapt treatment strategies to new areas of concern as the patient verbalizes them. The severity and number of patient concerns and fears, along with motivation factors, will determine the direction and number of therapy sessions. The case history presented illustrates one approach for an apprehensive patient who felt a dental experience had triggered her fear of surgery. Self-hypnosis, ego strengthening, and mental rehearsal during the 11 sessions made it possible for the patient to proceed with needed surgery.

Temporomandibular joint disease treated with hypnosis

A 17-year-old girl with temporomandibular joint disease who had been treated with the usual types of treatment for 8 1/2 years by multiple clinicians was treated using hypnosis as an adjunct. The treatment, which is described in detail, was successful for 6 months until the patient transferred to an urban college where additional academic and personal pressures caused her bruxism symptoms to reappear. Probable causes of the relapse are discussed.