Hypnosis Therapy Research Articles

Relationship of Headache-Associated Stressors and Hypnosis Therapy Outcome in Children: A Retrospective Chart Review

This study examined potential psychosocial stressors of 30 children with headaches (mean age, 15 years), and the role of insight generation in the outcome of hypnosis therapy. The mean duration of headache occurrence was 3 years. All of the patients were instructed in how to use hypnosis-induced relaxation and headache-related imagery to improve their symptoms. Thirty-seven percent reported their headaches were associated with fixed stressors, defined as caused by events over which patients had no control, while 63% reported variable stressors, defined as modifiable by the patients' actions. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Overall, 96% (25/26) reported a decrease in headache frequency and/or intensity following use of hypnosis. However, prior to insight generation patients reporting fixed stressors were significantly less likely to improve than those reporting variable stressors (p = 0.018). Thus, insight generation may be more important for achievement of improvement in children whose headaches are associated with fixed stressors.

Hypnosis and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy during Breast Cancer Radiotherapy: A Case Report

This case report describes an effort to control two primary side-effects of breast cancer radiotherapy (fatigue and skin discomfort) that used a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy with hypnosis (CBTH). Two patients, matched on demographic and medical variables (marital status, employment status, number of children, cancer diagnosis, surgical history, radiation dose), were compared: one who received a CBTH intervention and one who received standard care. Results were consistent with the view that CBTH was effective in managing fatigue and skin discomfort, and increasing relaxation.

Those eyes

The morbidly inclined Otto Dix (1891–1969), when preparing to create a series of etchings depicting the horrors on the German front during World War I, “spent hours in the pathological department of a local hospital, pouring over and drawing the mutilated remains of corpses, human organs and entrails.”1 With a penchant for grotesquerie reminiscent of Hieronymus Bosch, he was viewed by some as “a pornographer of violence.” For his part, Dix described art as a form of “exorcism.” One wonders whether demons would be conjured up rather than cast out by the subject of this painting, a specialist in “nervous diseases” who offered hypnosis therapy in his sanatorium in Dresden and was a patron of avant-garde artists. Getting the full effect of this painting requires confronting the original, now housed at the Art Galley of Ontario. The piercing, bloodshot eyes bulge with heavy, gleaming impasto, achieving a most disconcerting effect. Note the anxiety of the clenched fist; the tense, oblique stance; the rigid collar, like a restraining device; and the oddly naive quality of the flat application of paint. Except for those eyes. — Anne Marie Todkill, CMAJ Figure. Otto Dix, Portrait of Dr. Heinrich Stadelmann, 1922. Oil on canvas, 90.8 cm x 61.0 cm. AGO, Toronto. Anonymous gift, 1969, donated by the Ontario Heritage Foundation, 1988. Photo by: Carlo Catenazzi, Art Gallery of Ontario

Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Clinical Practice. Complementary and Allopathic Medicine: The Hospital as a Place of Possible Integration

This congress was organized by the Psycho-Somatic Medicine outpatient clinic of S. Carlo Borromeo's Hospital in Milan, and S.I.R.I.U.M. (International Society for Research, Integration and Humanization in Medicine) to promote knowledge about CAM within S. Carlo Borromeo Hospital and other health centers. CAM was introduced in Lombardia with a regional council resolution in 2000. In his opening speech, Dr Umberto Fazzone (General Manager of Direzione Famiglia e Solidarieta Sociale, Lombardia's Regional Council) recounted the stages of the resolution and reported the progress of the past 5 years. The first step was the observation and evaluation of CAM techniques, informing how some projects for observational trials were drafted through Lombardia's health and social net, to arrive at a characterization of all CAM modalities such as Acupuncture, Phytotherapy, Ayurvedic medicine, Anthroposophic medicine, Homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homotoxicology, Osteopathy and Chiropractic medicine. At present, after observational trials were approved in 2000 (99, 42 ended), 126 have been deemed eligible to receive support loans from the Regional Council to conduct clinical trials as provided in the 2003 resolution. Next, there was a discussion by the members of the Clinic of Psycho-Somatic Medicine: Dr Luisa Merati (Chief of the Centre) explained the kinds of CAM they practiced (Hypnosis therapy, Homeopathy, Homotoxicology, Bach Flower therapy, Acupuncture, Reflex therapy and Reiki); she also expounded the results of an observational trial: ‘Hypnosis as a CAM practice for tabagism and obesity’. Dr Flavia Barbagelata (Hypnotist, Allergologist) introduced hypnosis in allergology as an integrated therapy at Complementary Medicine Practice (CMP); at the end Dr Barbara Mantellini (Psychosomathist, Homeopathy) explained the final results of an Observational trial about the use of homeopathy to treat headache. The speakers from S. Carlo Borromeo's Hospital are as follows: Dr Giuseppe Cammarano (Health Chief) discussed Ethical Committee's rule toward CAM. Dr Maurizio Poli (Chief of the Department of Internal Medicine I) discussed his experience in a department of internal medicine with a CMP. Dr Damiano Abbate (Acupuncture) put forward his experience at the Pain Centre; Dr Alberto Vignati (Gynecologist) showed the trial results using acupuncture in footing presentation; Dr Antonino Lania (Physiatrist) discussed analgesic homeo-mesotherapy. Dr Donatella Noe (Nutritionist) introduced the features of personalized nutritional therapy; Dr Antonino Giordano (Nephrologist, Homeopathy) discussed about the introduction of homeopathy/homotoxicology in a department of nephrology. Dr Elena Gandini (Anaesthetist, Hypnotist, Homeopathy) in her speech proposed an integration between homotoxicology and Bach Flower therapy; Dr Manuela Posca (Internist) compared Western semiotics and Traditional Chinese Medical semiotics; Dr Patrizio Piacentini (Hospital's Chemist) examined the cost of CAM's drugs; and at the end, Dr Piero Vigorelli (Psychiatrist) discussed speech therapy for Alzheimer's disease. Among the non-resident speakers, Prof. Emilio Minelli (Homeopathy, Acupuncture, University of Milan, S.I.R.I.U.M.'s President) discussed acupuncture education at the University. Dr Leonello Milani (Homotoxicology, Homeopathy, AIOT's Vice-President, Milan) explored the historical and methodological pathways of clinical-experimental trials, underscoring how it was possible to demonstrate the therapeutic effects of homeopathic drugs. Dr Alberto Laffranchi (Radiologist, Homeopathy, National Institute for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Milan) discussed the results of a trial employing homeopathic drugs against radiotherapy complications; Dr Maurizio Italiano (Homeopathy, Dulcamara School, Genoa, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital) brought his experience in one of the most important homeopathic hospitals, the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital. Dr Mauro Saruggia (Homeopathy, S. Gerardo hospital, Monza) explained a hypothesis about how ultra-high doses work in a trial on thermo luminescence. Prof. Francesco Marotta (Gastroenterologist) and Dr Aldo Lorenzetti (Hepatologist) discussed new promising areas where such biotherapeutic approaches may be a better way to treat chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases, chronic arthritis and liver disease. This would be true for subclinical disorders, aggravating factors and for aging itself. Prof. Emilio Del Giudice (Physicist) introduced the connections between physics and medicine and possible ultramolecular interactions of homeopathic drug action. Dr Mara Ramploud (CAM commission at Ordine dei Medici, Milan, S.I.R.I.U.M.'s national secretary) ended the congress with remarks on the integration of complementary and allopathic medicine. Although the weather conditions were bad, with snow on Friday evening, the congress enjoyed much success and the physicians attending it were eagerly interested in CAM's diffusion and development. This demonstrates the necessity of a thorough permeation of CAM at the hospital level and the possibility of integration with allopathic care. All the participants agreed that CAM is not in opposition to allopathic medicine but is an instrument to empower patients to heal. The meeting concluded with strong confidence that it would be the first of a series of meetings to exchange ideas and results of trials.

Utilizing Hypnosis and Ego-State Therapy to Facilitate Healthy Adaptive Differentiation in the Treatment of Sexual Disorders

Much of the literature focuses on the pathology that falls to the far right of the Watkins (1997) differentiation-dissociation continuum, such as Dissociative Identity Disorder and Dissociative Disorder NOS. Adding a “far left” to this continuum, as well as a construct of what the “far left” looks like, makes apparent the value of healthy adaptive differentiation for those individuals that fall to the “far left” of the spectrum; those who don't differentiate enough. A discussion of sexual dysfunction at this end of the continuum and cases of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder and Vaginismus demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of an approach combining hypnosis and ego-state therapy to facilitate healthy adaptive differentiation.

Acupuncture and Clinical Hypnosis for Facial and Head and Neck Pain: A Single Crossover Comparison

Despite their long histories, acupuncture and hypnosis have only recently been acknowledged as valuable by the medical establishment in the U.S. Few studies have used rigorous prospective measurement to evaluate the individual or relative merits of hypnosis and acupuncture in specific clinical settings. In this study, 25 patients with various head and neck pain were studied. Each had an initial assessment of their pain, as well as of their attitudes and expectations. All patients received acupuncture, followed by a reassessment of their pain. After a washout period they received another assessment of pain before and after hypnosis therapy. Preferences for therapy were sought following the hypnotic intervention. Both acupuncture and hypnosis were effective at relieving pain under these conditions. The average relief in pain reported was 4.2 units on a ten point scale, with hypnosis reducing pain by a mean of 4.8 units, compared to 3.7 for acupuncture (p = 0.26). Patient characteristics appeared to impact the effectiveness of treatment: patients with acute pain benefited most from acupuncture treatment, whereas patients with psychogenic pain were more likely to benefit from hypnosis. Patients with chronic pain had more variation in their results. Patients who received healing suggestions from a tape during a hypnotic trance benefited more than those who received no such suggestion, and acupuncture patients who were needle phobic benefited less than those who were not fearful of needles. This study demonstrates the benefits of well designed studies of the effectiveness of these alternative modalities. More work is needed to help practitioners identify which patients are most likely to benefit from these complementary therapies.

Pharmacotherapy of nicotine dependence.

Withdrawal treatment of cigarette smokers is a task of the utmost urgency in view of the consequences for national health programs and legislative policies of the high morbidity and mortality rates caused by smoking. Smokers need medical consultation in addition to drug-based treatment, but this results in self-willed quitting of the smoking habit in a limited number of smokers only. From the point of view of the criteria of "evidence-based medicine", non-drug methods such as hypnosis therapy and acupuncture are not effective (odds ratio = 1.22). Among the drug-based methods, treatment with nicotine substitution preparations has shown confirmed efficacy in numerous studies (odds ratio 1.63 to 2.67, depending on the application form used) and results in successful withdrawal from the smoking habit in 30-40% of cases. A decisive problem in the initial therapeutic phase appears to be the amount of the applied nicotine dose, but beyond that can be mastered above all by combining 2 or 3 application forms (patchs, chewing gum, nasal spray). Treatment is then continued for 4-12 weeks, depending on the degree of dependence, with successively reduced nicotine dosage. Two controlled studies with disparate designs have been done on bupropion (odds ratio 2.3/3.0). However, further studies are desirable due to concern about undesirable effects of bupropion described recently. Other substances subjected to trials in years past, such as clonidine, lobeline, mecamylamine and antidepressants including buspirone cannot be recommended on the basis of current data for treatment of smokers seeking a withdrawal cure.

The effect of hypnosis therapy on the symptoms and disease activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of clinical hypnosis on the symptoms and disease activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Sixty six RA patients participated in a controlled group design. Twenty six patients learnt the hypnosis intervention, 20 patients were in a relaxation control group and 20 patients were in a waiting-list control group. During hypnosis, patients developed individual visual imagery aimed at reducing the autoimmune activity underlying the RA and at reducing the symptoms of joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Subjective assessments of symptom severity and body and joint function, using standardised questionnaires and visual analogue scales, were obtained. Objective measures of disease activity via multiple blood samples during the therapy period and at the two follow-ups were also taken. These measurements were of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. C-reactive protein, haemoglobin and leukocyte total numbers. Results indicate that the hypnosis therapy produced more significant improvements in both the subjective and objective measurements. above relaxation and medication. Improvements were also found to be of clinical significance and became even more significant when patients practised the hypnosis regularly during the follow-up periods.

Hypnosis and Family Depth Therapy

Hypnosis and Family Depth Therapy

Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

I believe there are four essential elements in the management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): to establish a good physician-patient relationship; to educate patients about their condition; to emphasize the excellent prognosis and benign nature of the illness; and to employ therapeutic interventions centering on dietary modifications, pharmacotherapy, and behavioral strategies tailored to the individual. Initially, I establish the diagnosis, exclude organic causes, educate patients about the disease, establish realistic expectations and consistent limits, and involve patients in disease management. I find it critical to determine why the patient is seeking assistance (eg, cancer phobia, disability, interpersonal distress, or exacerbation of symptoms). Most patients can be treated by their primary care physician. However, specialty consultations may be needed to reinforce management strategies, perform additional diagnostic tests, or institute specialized treatment. Psychological co-morbidities do not cause symptoms but do affect how patients respond to them and influence health care-seeking behavior. I find that these issues are best explored over a series of visits when the physician-patient relationship has been established. It can be helpful to have patients fill out a self-administered test to identify psychological co-morbidities. I often use these tests as a basis for extended inquiries into this area, resulting in the initiation of appropriate therapies. I encourage patients to keep a 2-week diary of food intake and gastrointestinal symptoms. In this way, patients become actively involved in management of their disease, and I may be able to obtain information from the diary that will be valuable in making treatment decisions. I do not believe that diagnostic studies for food intolerances are cost-effective or particularly helpful; however, exclusion diets may be beneficial. I introduce fiber supplements gradually and monitor them for tolerance and palatability. Synthetic fiber is often better-tolerated than natural fiber, but must be individualized. In my experience, excessive fiber supplementation often is counterproductive, as abdominal cramps and bloating may worsen. Antidiarrheal agents are very effective when used correctly, preferably in divided doses. I use them in patients in anticipation of diarrhea and especially in those who fear symptoms when engaged in activities outside the home. I encourage patients to make decisions as to when and how much to use. However, almost always, a morning dose before breakfast is used (loperamide, 2 to 6 mg) and, perhaps again later in the day when symptoms of diarrhea are prominent. I prefer antispasmodics to be used intermittently in response to periods of increased abdominal pain, cramps, and urgency. For patients with daily symptoms, especially after meals, agents such as dicyclomine before meals are useful. For patients with infrequent but severe episodes of unpredictable pain, sublingual hyoscyamine often produces rapid relief and instills confidence. In general, I recommend that oral antispasmodics be used for a limited period of time rather than indefinitely, and generally for periods of time when symptoms are prominent. For chronic visceral pain syndromes, I recommend small doses of tricyclic antidepressants. These agents are especially effective in diarrhea-predominant patients with disturbed sleep patterns but may be unacceptable to patients with constipation. I educate patients that side effects occur early and benefits may not be apparent for 3 to 4 weeks. I consider using SSRIs in low doses in patients with constipation-predominant IBS; cisapride, 10 to 20 mg three times per day, also may be beneficial. When taken with drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450, cisapride has been associated with serious cardiac arrhythmias caused by QT prolongation, including ventricular arrhythmias and torsades de pointes. These drugs include the azole fungicides; erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin; some antidepressants; HIV protease inhibitors; and others. In patients with IBS with mild to moderate co-morbid depression, I have found that the use of SSRIs such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, or sertraline may be beneficial. It is important to tell patients that anxiety and disturbed sleep may occur during the first 10 days and benefits may not occur for 3 to 4 weeks. I prescribe a small amount of a short-acting benzodiazepine such as alprazolam, 0.5 mg two times per day, to control these symptoms. For generalized anxiety without depression, buspirone or clonazepam may be useful. I have found that patients who also have associated panic disorder may benefit from a benzodiazepine, tricyclic antidepressant, or an SSRI. However, these patients are best managed in conjunction with a psychiatrist or psychologist. I consider the use of alternative therapies in patients who fail to respond to conventional measures and who are receptive to alternative strategies. These include general relaxation techniques such as biofeedback and hypnosis therapies.

Psychosocial treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

A review of the psychosocial treatment research literature indicates that several forms of therapy appear to be useful in reducing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Strongest support is found for the treatments that combine cognitive and behavioral techniques. Hypnosis, psychodynamic, anxiety management, and group therapies may also produce short-term symptom reduction. Still unknown is whether any approach produces lasting effects. Imaginal exposure to trauma memories and hypnosis are techniques most likely to affect the intrusive symptoms of PTSD, whereas cognitive and psychodynamic approaches may better address the numbing and avoidance symptom cluster. Treatment should be tailored to the severity and type of presenting PTSD symptoms, to the type of trauma experience, and to the many likely comorbid diagnoses and adjustment problems. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Introducing alternative/complementary healing to allopathic medical students.

We have designed a senior elective, Introduction to Alternative Medicine, to prepare our students better to practice in multicultural environments, and to expand their views of health and healing. We combined didactic lecture, films, first-hand experience with some methods, and observation of alternative practitioners in their offices/clinics. Students explored hypnosis, chiropractic, therapeutic touch, meditation, biofeedback, acupuncture, homeopathy, naturopathy, and massage therapy. Discussions of scientific efficacy, legal and ethical considerations, and the role of spirituality in health and healing focused on limitations of science-based approaches and reasons why alternative/complementary methods are popular with patients and allopathic physicians. We conclude that allopathic medical schools have an important role in reducing the isolation of their students from alternative health beliefs, practices, and systems of care that are common in our communities.

Book Reviews

Abstract Gibson, H. B., & Heap, M. Hypnosis in Therapy. London: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1991. Pp. vii + 240. £19.95, $30.00 U.S. (approx.) (Also available in paperback) Wickramasekera, I. E. Clinical Behavioral Medicine: Some Concepts and Procedures. New York: Plenum, 1988. Pp. xix + 313. $35.00. Odessky, Anatoly. Medical Hypnosis and Methods for Self-Control. New York: Vantage, 1991. pp. × + 339. $18.95 U.S.

Somatization of Dissociated Traumatic Memories in a Case of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

In this single case report, I examine the treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) with hypnosis and ego-state therapy in a subject with a dissociative disorder. RSD is an unusual, debilitating, chronic pain syndrome with a usually poor outcome. The subject achieved temporary symptomatic relief using hypnosis and auto-hypnotic pain-management techniques. Eventually, she achieved permanent relief of RSD symptoms that continued over a two-year follow-up period. She achieved this permanent relief through a process of psychologically integrating physical functions that she experienced as specific to several dissociated ego states. This case illustrates the role of metaphor and imaginative symbolism in constituting a physical condition. It also illustrates how imaginative transformation of the symbolic imagery can induce psychological and physical change.

Book reviews

British Journal of PsychologyVolume 83, Issue 3 p. 425-447 Book reviews First published: August 1992 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8295.1992.tb02451.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Book reviewed in this article: Introduction to the Theory of Neural Computation. By J. Hertz, A. Krogh & R. G. Palmer. Expert Systems. By R. A. Benfer, E. E. Brent Jr & L. Furbee. New Tools for New Minds. A Cognitive Perspective on the Use of Computers with Young Children. By David F. Sewell. Acquired Neurological Speech/Language Disorders in Childhood. Edited by B. E. Murdoch. Continuities of Deprivation? The Newcastle 1000 Family Study. By I. Kolvin, F. J. W. Miller, D. Mcl. Scott, S. R. M. Gatzanis & M. Fleeting. Family Therapy: Training and Practice. By P. Stratton, M. Preston-Shoot & H. Hanks. Hypnosis in Therapy. By H. B. Gibson & M. Heap. The Anatomy of Adolescence: Young People's Social Attitudes in Britain. By A. Furnham & B. Gunter. The Child's Theory of Mind. By Henry M. Wellman. Depressive Disorders: Facts, Theories and Treatment Methods. Edited by B. B. Wolman & G. Stricker. Becoming a Reader: The Experience of Fiction from Childhood to Adulthood. By J. A. Appleyard. 150 Years of British Psychiatry, 1841–1991. By G. E. Berrios & H. Freeman. Metaphors in the History of Psychology. Edited by D. E. Leary. Parallel Distributed Processing: Implications for Psychology and Neurobiology. Edited by R. G. M. Morris. Acts of Meaning. By Jerome Bruner. Handbook of Social Psychophysiology. By H. Wagner & A. Manstead. Personal Construct Counselling in Action. By Fay Fransella & Peggy Dalton. Personnel Selection and Productivity. By Mark Cook. On the Move: The Psychology of Change and Transition. Edited by S. Fisher & C. L. Cooper. Feminists and Psychological Practice. Edited by E. Burman. Citing Literature Volume83, Issue3August 1992Pages 425-447 RelatedInformation

Book Reviews

British Journal of Clinical PsychologyVolume 31, Issue 1 p. 125-127 Book Reviews First published: February 1992 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2044-8260.1992.tb00978.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Book reviewed in this article: Hypnosis in Therapy. By H. B. Gibson & M. Heap. Clinical Applications of Cognitive Therapy. By Arthur Freeman, James Pretzer, Barbara Flemming & Karen M. Coping with Catastrophe. By Peter E. Hodgkinson & Michael Stewart. Depression Runs in Families. By Constance Hammen. Citing Literature Volume31, Issue1February 1992Pages 125-127 RelatedInformation

Hypnosis in therapy

Hypnosis in therapy

Hypnosis and behavior therapy: a review.

Abstract Hypnosis is widely used as an adjunct to behavior therapy. Hypnosis can be defined both as an antecedent variable (the hypnotic context and suggestions given) and as a subject variable (the capacity to experience profound subjective changes). A factor common to hypnosis and imagination-based behavior therapies is the use of relaxation and imagination processes. Empirical studies of hypnosis and behavior therapy are reviewed. It is concluded that hypnosis as an adjunct primarily influences common therapy factors such as expectancy of success and treatment credibility. A more specific effect of hypnosis in behavior therapy still needs to be demonstrated. It is suggested that a fruitful combination of hypnosis and behavior therapy requires a therapeutic approach in which voluntary control is less prominent and suggestions for involuntary hypnotic experiences are given.

Look into My Eyes

Look into My Eyes Case Studies in Hypnotherapy. £. T. Dowd and ]. M. Healy (Eds.). New York: Guilford Press, 1986. (318 pp.) Case Studies in Hypnotherapy is an excellent and timely book that neatly illustrates the various techniques and applications of hypnosis currently in use. The level of professional skill of the contributors to this volume is remarkably high, and although the quality of writing varies, it is generally good. The format of each chapter, having been stipulated by the editors, consists of an introduction, a case presentation, and further references. The majority of the introductions present a neat theoretical rationale, which allows one to comprehend aspects of the subsequent presentation from the author's viewpoint and also to understand the author's personal philosophy and way of conceptualizing the encounter. On the basis of the editors' introduction, it also appears that a verbatim transcript was required as part of the case presentation, and, as in the majority of the chapters, when this is provided, there is a richness that is often missing in scientific papers. Indeed, Stone & Lundy (1985) have demonstrated that the exact form of words used in a hypnotic session can be critical to the quality of the response. The editors are to be complimented on using this approach. In regard to the individual chapters, as usual with a collection of papers, the clarity of theoretical justification and explanation of what occurred and why is variable, although it is generally high here. This should come as no surprise, as the contributors are nearly all well-known academics or practicing (often training) therapists in the areas in which they write. Some may not be quite so familiar to readers in Europe because they are all American; however, names such as Ellis, Araoz, and Barber, to name but three, are surely known to many. Many of the contributors explicitly acknowledge their debt to what may be termed the "Ericksonian School" (for example, there is a fascinating chapter by William Golden, "An Integration of Ericksonian and Cognitive-Behavioral Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders"), and many more could be seen as allying themselves with what some refer to as "the new hypnosis" (Araoz, 1985). Why this approach is potentially very useful to cognitive psychotherapists can be seen in Araoz's chapter. In his introduction to a sex hypnotherapy case, Araoz states, "The new hypnosis, on the other hand, prefers indirect methods and is very concerned with the hidden symptom . . . namely the person's reaction to and cognitive operations resulting from the problem. . . . [It explores] . . . the thoughts, images, self-talk and so on that the person is using, often without realising it" (p. 61). None of this sounds unfamiliar, and it goes some way to dispel the myths that still abound regarding hypnosis. The willingness to use hypnosis as an adjunct to usual techniques has grown in recent years, as has the revival of hypnosis. It is therefore most instructive to read Ellis's chapter on the use of hypnosis and rational-emotive therapy and to be reminded that that he was marrying these techniques almost 30 years ago! It is also interesting to note that he, in common with many modern practitioners, is not that much concerned with depth of trance (very much a preoccupation of the 1950s and 1960s), but rather with what use the client can make of it. Again in accord with modern practice, Ellis tapes the encounter and encourages the patient to reexperience the beneficial effects of therapy in a trance state by relistening to the tape. For a book of 24 chapters, it would take a long time to mention the strengths and weaknesses of each. Instead, the following is a list of the sections and some comments on the general thrust of the book. Section 1: Emotional Problems-this section contains such chapters as the one by Ellis and also the one by Golden. …

Pseudoseizures: an overview.

Pseudoseizures, formerly called hysterical seizures, have become an acknowledged clinical entity in their own right. Diagnosis of pseudoseizures is a complex process, depending primarily on clinical neurologic observation of the spell pattern and negative response to anticonvulsant therapy. Diagnosis is aided by psychiatric evidence of psychopathology, and in difficult cases, by video/EEG observation of actual spells, either spontaneous or induced by saline infusion or hypnosis. Exposure to some model of spell behavior is considered important in the development of most cases of pseudoseizures. Pseudoseizures are difficult to treat successfully, and exploratory attempts at treatment have included hypnosis and behavior therapy. Pseudoseizures may represent either conversion disorder or dissociative disorder.